Zara Tindall and her husband Mike have made a surprise appearance as they returned to Wimbledon for day 10 of the tournament.
King Charles’s niece, 45, looked glamorous in a blue and white striped shirt and sunglasses with her blonde bob lightly curled as she chatted to former F1 boss Christian Horner and his wife, Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.
Former rugby player Mike, 47, matched his wife in a cream blazer and blue shirt as they watched the action on Centre Court at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
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The couple, who have been married since 2011, did not join their fellow royals, Queen Camilla and newlyweds Harriet and Peter Phillips, in the Royal Box.
So, why do Zara and Mike not typically join their family in the Royal Box?
It’s all down to one of Zara’s roles outside her sporting career. The mum-of-three is a brand ambassador for several luxury brands, including Rolex, which has been partnered with Wimbledon for over 40 years.
Zara became an ambassador for the Swiss watch brand before she won gold at the World Equestrian Games in 2006 in Aachen. Although she does not carry out official duties, members of the family must abstain from cashing in on their royal status, and that is why she and Mike do not sit in the royal box.
Entry to the coveted seats on Centre Court come via an invitation from the Chairman of the All England Club, taking into account suggestions from members of The Championships’ Organising Committee, The Lawn Tennis Association and other relevant sources.
There are 74 spots in total in the royal box, with guests sitting in dark green Lloyd Loom wicker chairs.
There is a strict dress code that spectators must adhere to, with gentlemen required to wear a suit or a jacket and tie, while ladies must refrain from wearing hats to avoid obscuring the view of those seated behind them.
English