Also known as 'The Championships', Wimbledon is arguably the most prestigious tennis event in the world and has been held in the London suburb of Wimbledon since 1877. Unlike most professional tennis competitions, it is held on grass courts.
Wimbledon is one of the only sporting tournaments to enforce a strict dress code on players. In the past, convention had dictated that white was the order of the fortnight and it was strictly enforced, however there are some hints of colour (notably in stripes) creeping back into the kits. When former champion Rafael Nadal first played in the competition in 2005 he was famous for tight fitting colourful tops, but Wimbledon regulators suggested that he switch to white equivalents instead. Players' clothing designs have to be submitted months in advance to get officials' approval.
Although there are no hard-and-fast rules for spectators (unlike the players, they need not wear all white) it is generally acknowledged that Wimbledon is an 'occasion' and should be treated like such and so smarter dress is worn. This said, it is the beginning of summer and so one can see a lot of loose-fitting materials, cottons and linen being sported in the stands. Gentlemen could wear their panama hats with navy blazers (although it is considered gauche to wear ones with crests or logos on the breast pocket).
An umbrella, although cumbersome, is always a smart move as it wouldn't be Wimbledon without rain.
For first-timers, it is important to know that you cannot leave or take your seats whilst a game is in play. Wardens control the spectator entrances and exits and sometimes you can wait anything up to 15 minutes before the game is completed.
Similarly, mobile phones should be switched off before taking your seats - it is amazing how many people's telephone go off mid-match. Most tiresome for players and spectators. Silence - both electronic and verbal - is asked for during play.
Andy Murray is once again competing, however, despite this rare glimmer of British sporting success, we would suggest that spectators do not make a song and dance about this: flag waving and nice cheering (not during actual play, mind you) is preferred - there's no need to go over board.
If (when) Murray loses, one should remember to be 'gracious in defeat' (even though it was not you who actually lost): congratulate the victor and do not sulk churlishly or lash out... as some England football fans were seen to be doing after Sunday evening's sporting flop.
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Patronising Snob
Writing about etiquette is oxymoronic, because it's rude to do so, and it's not classy.
It's rude because you have to be patronising, assuming that your reader is less refined than you.
As far as good etiquette is concerned, this is the rudest you can be - really classy people make an effort to treat everyone with respect.
It's oxymoronic and not classy because being paid to do work automatically consigns you to the lower orders as far as the upper classes are concerned. If you are genuinely of the upper classes then why are you writing? Fallen on hard times? How ghastly, darling. But looking to make money by trying to teach the lower orders how to fake being posh? Do you have no other skills? How gauche.
And therefore, all William's advice stems from a tainted source.
Another way to turn a buck is to beg on the streets. Be sure to wear some very ragged and filthy clothes, and spend a few days beforehand developing a decent growth of raggedy beard. If you're out and about as opposed to just huddling in a doorway you can augment the look by picking up the odd discarded dog-end as you mooch about.
A skinny dog on a string makes an excellent complement to this ensemble, but please remember that it's just not done when begging to guilt trip folk by suggesting that it's the dog that's the hungry one.
The social success of this sort of venture is absolutely measured in how many higher denomination coins you can garner, but be careful not to ruin the "beggar" effect by having your head higher than the people you're seeking to make feel sorry for you - one doesn't want to be seen as threatening at all. Always stay low enough so that a little eye white shows between the iris and the lower lid.
And to those who sneer and refuse you when you politely enquire as to whether they might have some change they can spare, always offer a kind word - something along the lines of "Gawd bless anyway".
One doesn't want to give the impression of bitterness. Dreadfully infra-dig.
It is completely uneccessary and most unladylike, kindly ask them to desist.
I'm also surprised that there is no mention of limiting large hats that would impede the view of those behind the wearer.
Strawberries and cream, anyone?
I've never been to Wimbledon but, if its etiquette is as you describe, it sets an example in a world where sportmanship has been corrupted by failure of the sporting spirit.