06 July 2023 , 09:03
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It is almost eight years since Lewis Hamilton was denied entry to the Royal Box at Wimbledon due to a wardrobe malfunction.
The Mercedes driver was on course to watch the final between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, in which the Serbian came out on top in four sets. Hamilton, though, fell short of Wimbledon’s strict dress code and was turned away - a decision that was backed by the tournament’s VIP security chief, Alan Chalmers.
Hamilton, who has long been known for his flamboyant dress sense, was donning a floral shirt and a hat but missed out after he failed to wear a jacket or a tie. It quickly caused a divide, especially on social media, but Chalmers fully backed the decision.
He told Wales Online : “It was not my job to tell Lewis Hamilton he couldn’t come in. But I would have to say it was the correct decision. He wasn’t wearing a jacket or tie. Wimbledon is not a beach in Marbella, it’s a major tennis tournament.”
Chalmers, who had been been working at SW19 since the 1970s, but retired after the final, added: “I’m surprised the news didn’t sweep around the grounds more quickly really. It’s unfortunate, but these things happen.
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"We have a dress code of jacket and tie and that’s that really. We have to try and keep standards high. We have been fighting to keep them up for years so it’s important we monitor them.”
Hamilton had posted a picture of his outfit on social media as he underlined his excitement, only to be turned away. A spokesperson said: “Due to a misunderstanding over dress code, he is disappointed to have missed the final.”
The Formula 1 star has previously attended the tournamentActors like Bradley Cooper and Hugh Grant made it into the Royal Box as they saw Djokovic claim his third Wimbledon title. Hamilton's rejection though did lead to a slight backlash on social media, with Gary Lineker among those to criticise the championship's policy.
He tweeted: "Might be me, but turning away @LewisHamilton from the Royal box for not wearing a bloody jacket and tie shows England as its pompous worst."
Several people disagreed with him though. Former rugby player Brian Moore replied: "Or in reality just wear a jacket and tie - hardly difficult is it." Wimbledon finalist Andy Roddick added: "Even when the invite says 'please wear a jacket and tie?' ... This obnoxious American is ok with it."