Prince William showed off his polo skills at the annual charity match in Windsor this afternoon. Wearing a blue jersey with the number four, William returned to the saddle for the annual Out-Sourcing Inc Royal Charity Polo Cup match, one of his favourite summer traditions.
But he was not joined by the Princess of Wales, who usually cheers him on from the sidelines, as she missed the event for the second year in a row. Kate took a starring role in the French State Visit on Tuesday, including the late-night banquet, but is continuing to seek the right balance as she fully returns to public engagements after her cancer diagnosis last year.
She is expected to present the trophies at the Wimbledon finals this weekend.
Competitors of Friday’s match were pictured riding in the 30C heat against the scenic backdrop Windsor Castle.
The prince was cheered on by his cousin Peter Phillips who attended with his girlfriend, Harriet Sperling.
Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins, model Lady Victoria Hervey, and fashion influencer Tess Montgomery were among the other well-known faces at this year’s match.
The match marks the 14th time the heir to the throne has participated in the Out-Sourcing Inc showpiece, with the total amount raised over the years set to now exceed £14million.
Funds raised by the game will be distributed across 10 charities and causes supported by the Prince and Princess of Wales, including Child Bereavement UK, British Red Cross and NHS Charities Together.
Last month, Royal Charity Polo cut ties with a donor who reportedly attempted to sell private access to the Prince and Princess of Wales for £20,000.
Minerva Mondejar Steiner, a Filipina-Swiss millionaire whose art gallery was an official sponsor of the charity poli event, had offered VVIP tickets and “access to royalty” in exchange for cash.