Who's who in the royal box at Wimbledon? Day three is attended by tennis star Maria Sharapova, former PM Theresa May and the Duchess of Gloucester

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From tennis VIPs to business magnates and sometimes even monarchs, the Royal Box at Wimbledon also attracts an interesting crowd of fans.

As the name suggests, it often houses members of the Royal Family, notably the Princess of Wales, who is the patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

However, while it isn't known whether the royal will attend this year's tournament, other recognisable faces were in the box today, including the Duchess of Gloucester, former Prime Minister Theresa May, and star athlete Maria Sharapova.

Elsewhere, CEOs and  entrepreneurs enjoyed taking in the sport from the coveted seats. 

Here, FEMAIL reveals some of the high-profile guests in the Royal Box at Wimbledon today.

Pictured: 1. Duchess of Gloucester, 2. Maria Sharapova, 3. Alexander Gilkes, 4. Deborah Jevans, 5. Vinai Vinkatesham, 6. Lord Gus O'Donnell, 7. Aneesh Misra, 8. Vanshika Goenka Misra, 9. Amanda Pritchard, 10. Justin Rose, 11. Joe Weatherley, 12. Theresa May, 13. Philip May, 14. Phil de Piciotto, 15. Daniela Hantuchova

Duchess of Gloucester

The Duchess of Gloucester was effortlessly elegant in a cream jacket as she attended day three of Wimbledon.

Brigitte, 78, is the wife of Richard, the Duke of Gloucester - who is the late Queen's cousin.

The couple married on July 8, 1972 at St Andrew's Church in Barnwell, Northamptonshire.

Her husband was born Prince Richard of Gloucester and met his Danish future wife, Birgitte van Deurs, who was studying at the Bell School of Languages, at Cambridge University in 1965.

The Duchess of Gloucester was effortlessly elegant in a cream jacket as she attended day three of Wimbledon 

He was working as an architect but cut his career short when his older brother Prince William of Gloucester tragically died in a plane crash seven weeks after their marriage.

Richard then became the heir to his father, Henry, Duke of Gloucester- one of George VI's brothers.

Prince Richard and Birgitte had not expected to embark on a life of duty but did so after their marriage when he became the heir.

They have spent 50 years as working royals and visited charities and organisations carrying out hundreds of engagements together for sectors such as humanitarian issues, the environment and veterans.

Theresa and Philip May

Former British Prime Minister Theresa May attended Wimbledon with her husband Philip.

The politician, 67, appeared in high spirits as she watched Alexandre Muller of France and Daniil Medvedev of Russia on the court. 

In March, she became one of 75 Conservative MPs who decided to stand down ahead of the general election.

Theresa said she was taking the 'difficult decision' to step down so she can focus on campaigning on modern slavery and human trafficking. 

The 67-year-old, who led the Tories through three years of torrid Brexit infighting in the wake of the EU referendum, said she would 'no longer be able to do her job as an MP the way she believe is right' for her constituents.

Former British Prime Minister Theresa May attended Wimbledon with her husband Philip (both pictured) today

The politician, 67, appeared in high spirits as she watched Alexandre Muller of France and Daniil Medvedev of Russia on the court

In a statement to the Maidenhead Advertiser, she said: 'It has been an honour and a privilege to serve everyone in the Maidenhead constituency as the Member of Parliament for the last 27 years. 

'Being an MP is about service to one's constituents and I have always done my best to ensure that I respond to the needs of local people and the local area.

'Since stepping down as Prime Minister I have enjoyed being a backbencher again and having more time to work for my constituents and champion causes close to my heart including most recently launching a Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.

'These causes have been taking an increasing amount of my time.

'Because of this, after much careful thought and consideration, I have realised that, looking ahead, I would no longer be able t o do my job as an MP in the way I believe is right and my constituents deserve.

'I have therefore taken the difficult decision to stand down at the next General Election.'

Maria Sharapova and Alexander Gilkes

It's no wonder that tennis star Maria Sharapova - a Russian five-time Grand Slam champion, who retired from the game in 2020 - was in attendance at Wimbledon.

The former athlete, 37, was all smiles as she watched from the Royal Box with her fiance, British auctioneer Alexander Gilkes, 44.

In 2022, the couple announced the birth of their first child Theodore, sharing a picture of the newborn on social media.

It's no wonder that tennis star Maria Sharapova - a Russian five-time Grand Slam champion, who retired from the game in 2020 - was in attendance at Wimbledon

The former athlete, 37, was all smiles as she watched from the Royal Box with her fiance, British auctioneer Alexander Gilkes, 44

In a statement published to Vanity Fair , the athlete wrote that she was 'saying goodbye' to the sport that made her a household name

In 2022, the couple announced the birth of their first child Theodore, sharing a picture of the newborn on social media

Maria's life has undergone a number of changes over the past four years, including retiring from tennis in February 2020

Maria pictured at Wimbledon today. She attended with her husband and appeared to be in high spirits

Maria's life has undergone a number of changes over the past four years, including retiring from tennis in February 2020.

In a statement published to Vanity Fair, the athlete wrote that she was 'saying goodbye' to the sport that made her a household name. 

'How do you leave behind the only life you've ever known? How do you walk away from the courts you've trained on since you were a little girl, the game that you love – one which brought you untold tears and unspeakable joys – a sport where you found a family, along with fans who rallied behind you for more than 28 years?

'I'm new to this, so please forgive me. Tennis – I'm saying goodbye,' she concluded.

Dr & Mrs Brian Hainline 

 It's no surprise to see Dr Brian Hainline in Wimbledon's Royal Box, as he has a very strong connection to the sport, as president of the United States Tennis Association.

Described on his LinkedIn page as 'an internationally recognised expert in sport-related concussion and mental health in elite athletes', he is currently also Chief Medical Officer of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

In addition to listing his professional accomplishments, and recognition within his field, his page also describes his enjoyment of sport. 

'He is passionate about mentoring societal leaders about sport's far-reaching potential, peak performance in sport as a metaphor for life, and mental health and wellness in sport and society at large,' it reads.

Dr Hainline attended Wimbledon today with his wife. 

Pictured: Daniela Hantuchova and Phil de Piciotto in the Royal Box on Centre Court Wimbledon Tennis Championships

Deborah Jevans

British former tennis player Deborah Jevans CBE has been at the hallowed location numerous times, as a former junior Wimbledon champion.

She also played 10 times in the women's singles (between 1979 and 1983). Her best result was reaching the fourth round, when she lost to fifth-seeded Virginia Wade.

Ms Jevans also played in the doubles event, reaching the quarter finals of the mixed doubles event in 1978, playing with her future husband and Wimbledon referee Andrew Jarrett.

She became the first chairwoman of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club Board in 2023, succeeding Ian Hewitt.

In 2013, she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year Honours due to her services to Sport and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games', when she served as director of sports for the event.

Justin and Kate Rose

Justin Rose is a professional golfer from England. In 2016, he won a gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics. He has also finished runner-up at Masters, and was in 2018 number one in the world.

He attended with his wife Kate. 

Justin Rose is a professional golfer from England. In 2016, he won a gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics

He has also finished runner-up at Masters, and was in 2018 number one in the world. He attended with his wife Kate

Vinai and Liz Vinkatesham 

Vinai Venkatesham is the Arsenal chief executive - who in September announced he is walking away from his role next summer after 14 years at the club.

He took on the role of head of global partnerships in 2010 before scaling the Gunners hierarchy to becoming one of the most crucial pieces in the first team puzzle.

Arsenal confirmed he will leave in the summer of 2024 in search of a 'new challenge', with Arsenal already working to find his successor.

'This was a tough decision, but it is time to pursue another challenge,' Venkatesham said.

'Now is not the time for goodbyes as I remain focused until my last day and supporting a seamless transition.'

Venkatesham became Arsenal's chief executive in 2020 and has played a key role in helping Mikel Arteta build a squad that competed for the Premier League title last season.

The Oxford University graduate has worked in tandem with Edu just this past summer with a spend of more than £200million on new players.

Venkatesham is busy away from Arsenal, already, in his roles on the European Clubs’ Association (ECA) Board and on the Board of the UCC SA – the joint venture between UEFA and the ECA.

In addition he is a Non-Executive Director of the British Olympic Association. He lives in Hertfordshire with his wife and three young children.

He attended with Liz Vinkatesham. 

Mark Precious

Another athlete sitting in one of the sought after spots in the Royal Box today was Mark Precious, a former student at University College in Oxford.

The former field hockey player won the bronze medal with the British team at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Sandi Procter 

The Lawn Tennis Association's President Sandi Procter was also spotted happily watching the Wimbledon action today.

Sandi is currently the second female president of the LTA and will serve in the role for the next two years.

The tennis fan previously worked as a PE teacher before becoming a coach. She was working as the manager of Bromley Tennis Centre when US Open winner Emma Raduncau was based there.

Lord Gus O'Donnell

Lord Gus O'Donnell, 71, is known for his years of work in public service. The former top civil servant and economist has worked under Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and David Cameron.

Between 2005 and 2011, he served as the Cabinet Secretary. 

In 2012, he was made a life peer and introduced in the House of Lords. 

From tennis VIPs to business magnates and sometimes even monarchs, the Royal Box at Wimbledon also attracts an interesting crowd of fans

Richard Stoakes

Richard Stoakes is listed as a director of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) - a private members' club.

The Princess of Wales has been a patron of it since 2016. 

Sarah Clarke 

Sarah Clarke has been the Black Rod since 2018 - and is the first woman to hold the role in its more than 650-year history.

Black Rod is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Lords and is thrust into the public spotlight each year during the State Opening of Parliament, when he or she is sent to bang on the door of the Commons to summon MPs to hear the monarch's Speech.

Before taking on the role, she was Championships Director at the AELTC.

Sir Keith and Lady Ajegbo

Sir Keith Ajegbo was knighted in 2007, after his years of work in the education sector.

According to the website of Downing College Cambridge - where Sir Keith is an honourary fellow - he spent two decades as Head of Deptford Green School, having raised the institution's profile and cementing its reputation. 

From 2006 to 2009, he was also a government adviser. 

Sir Keith was also the Chair of the Stephen Lawrence Trust, which is a Trustee of the Charitable Foundation of the AELTC.

In the 60s, he also captained the Cambridge University tennis team against Oxford.

He attended with Lady Ajegbo. 

Philip Brook and Bill Babcock

Philip Brook is the former All England Club Chairman, who stepped down from the role in 2019.

'It is my intention to step down at the AGM in 2019 and therefore, if re-elected at this year's AGM, I expect to serve only one year of my three year term,' he said at the time.

'Regarding the election of my successor, the process will take place after the Australian Open and we expect to be able to announce the proposed new Chairman by mid-March at the latest, thereby allowing a period of around eight or nine months working together before I hand over the reins in December 2019.'

The current Chair is Debbie Jevans.

Philip attended with Bill Babcock, original founding Director of the Grand Slam Board. 

Francis and Joanna Burkitt

Francis Burkitt is a senior adviser at Senior Adviser, Rothschild & Co, where he has worked for more than 17 years.

He has also been a District Councillor in South Cambridgeshire and is currently a Senior Non-Executive Member of Chapter at Ely Cathedral.

Over the years, Francis has worked with organisations including EdenTree Investment Management and the Cambridge Building Society.

He attended with Joanna Burkitt. 

Bruce and Jane Carnegie-Brown

Bruce Carnegie-Brown is the Chairman of Lloyd's of London, and the Vice Chairman of Banco Santander.

He is also the Chair of the Marylebone Cricket Club. 

Bruce, 64, attended with his wife Jane. 

As the name suggests, it often houses members of the Royal Family, notably the Princess of Wales, who is the patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club

Gus and Danielle Christie

Gus Christie is the executive chairman of the Glyndebourne opera festival - which was founded by his grandparents, John Christie and Audrey Mildmay.

He attended Wimbledon with his wife, international soprano Danielle. 

Vice Admiral Martin and Penny Connell 

Martin Connell was made Second Sea Lord and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff in 2022.

This makes him the second highest ranking officer in the Royal Navy, as he is deputy to First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff - Admiral Sir Ben Key.

Martin attended with Penny Connell.

Vanshika Goenka Misra and Aneesh Misra

Vanshika Goenka Misra is the CEO of Christy Welspun. Welspun, a textiles company started by her father in the 1980s in India, has over years become a global force to be reckoned with.

Welspun is the parent company of towel manufacturer Christy. 

As reported by The National News, Vanshika married Aneesh Misra in a lush UAE wedding at Dubai's Raffles The Palm Dubai in 2022.

Speaking to the outlet, Ayman Gharib, managing director at the hotel, said at the time: 'I believe this would be the biggest wedding Dubai would have hosted this year.

'We had 700 guests flying from all over the world. The most prominent business figures in the world were attending amongst other celebrity guests and performers.'

Daniela Hantuchova and Phil de Piciotto

Daniela Hantuchova is a retired tennis player and commentator from Slovakia. The sports star, 41, was once number five in the world.

She attended with Phil de Piciotto, who is the founder and president, Octagon, Inc- a sports entertainment and culture agency.

Geoff and Valerie Newton

Geoff Newton is a Board Member and Vice Chair at the British Paralympic Association.

He was for seven years, from 2011 to 2018, also the Chief Executive Officer of the Tennis Foundation.

He was awarded an OBE in the 2023 New Year’s Honours. Geoff attended with Valerie Newton.

Amanda Pritchard and Jeremy Breaks

Amanda Pritchard is the Chief Executive of NHS England. From 2016 to 2019, she was chief executive of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.

She attended with Jeremy Breaks. 

Ken Solomon and Aryeh Bourkoff

Ken Solomon is the CEO of The Tennis Channel - a 24 hour broadcast dedicated to the sport.

He attended with American producer Aryeh Bourkoff. 

John Timpson and Linda Neary

Sir John Timpson, 81, is the owner and chairman of Timpson's - the high street repair brand.

He attended with Linda Neary. 

Ken and Joe Weatherley

Ken Weatherley, 76, is a former pro tennis player. After a decorated career, he founded the charity Tennis First which helps to fund young budding talent.

He was one of the people who got  funding for current tennis star Emma Raducanu.

Ken was there with Joe Weatherley, 27 - a professional cricketer, who plays for Hampshire County Cricket Club.