Royal Horseplay
PRINCES, POWER BROKERS AND POLO PLAYERS GATHERED AT ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S MAGNIFICENT ENGLISH ESTATE FOR THE ANNUAL KENT & CURWEN ROYAL CHARITY POLO CUP
Since its inception in imperial Persia, polo has been known as the “sport of kings”. It lived up to that reputation in all its aristocratic glory at the Kent & Curwen Royal Charity Polo Cup. An annual invitation-only competition, the event takes place at Andrew Lloyd Webber’s grand Watership Down estate in Berkshire, England. As well as the entertainment provided, the event raises funds for two African charities, the Tusk Trust, whose royal patron is Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Sentebale, which was founded by William’s brother, Prince Harry.
On the sun-drenched summer day in late July, William and Harry swung and hooked their way to victory for the Westcombe polo team, cheered on by a flock of notable guests, among them sports stars, socialites, business magnates and celebrities.
The polo action was punctuated by a three-course lunch, during which live and silent auctions raised thousands of pounds for the two causes, and a lavish high tea later in the afternoon. Elderflower cocktails kept the sophisticated crowd hydrated as the sun shone on into the evening, setting the estate’s sprawling meadows aglow.