Lewis Hamilton barred from Wimbledon Royal Box 'for not wearing jacket and tie'

The reigning Formula One world champion was invited to see Novak Djokovic take on Roger Federer but because he was not wearing a jacket and tie the 30-year-old was not allowed in.

His spokesman said there had been an "unfortunate misunderstanding regarding the dress code at Wimbledon”.

Hamilton had even posted on Instagram showing his invitation package and then a picture of himself dressed in a colourful shirt and trousers, with the caption "Wimbledon".

The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) confirmed that Hamilton was absent. A spokesman said: "If [Hamilton] was not adequately dressed you could infer that he would not have been let in, but we do not comment on our guests.”

A Wimbledon spokesman said the club does not comment on guests, but confirmed the Royal Box dress code which demands gentlemen wear a jacket, tie and formal shoes.

Among the invited guests for the showpiece match were stars from TV and film, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Kate Winslet, Bradley Cooper and Hugh Grant.