Polo plus the sport of kings
The Queen has been passionate about horses since a young age. Her Majesty owns dozens of steeds and is a regular attendee at Royal Ascot and the Royal Windsor Horse Show. She is also a supporter of Windsor Great Park-based Guards Polo Club. found out more
The Queen’s love of horses is unquestionable and has been well-documented throughout her life.
The monarch’s affection for all things equine includes polo, a sport which was adored and frequently played by her late husband, the Duke of Edinburgh and, every so often, she can be seen at Guards Polo Club in Windsor Great Park.
Founded as the Household Brigade Polo Club in 1955, Prince Philip held the role of president for 66 years until his passing in April 2021. Since its inception, the club has grown to be the largest of its kind in Europe in terms of membership and number of grounds.
The club’s season starts in April and finishes in midSeptember, hosting more than 500 matches each year including the prestigious 22-goal tournament ‘The Queen’s Cup’, of which the final takes place in June.
The competition was first established in 1960 and the Queen personally presented the first silver cup to Guards Polo Club and this trophy has continued to be fiercely contested over the subsequent decades.
Brian Stein, chairman of Guards Polo Club, says: “Her Majesty, being Prince Philip’s dutiful wife, has attended every year since its inception to present the Queen’s Cup.
“The only time she has ever missed that commitment was during the two
COVID-impacted years. We are hopeful of seeing her again this year for the final on June 12.
“Her appearances at Guards, visitation to Guards, and her support of Guards is entirely on her own whim. It’s not in any way, a public appearance.
“She chooses to attend – it’s not in the court calendar, it’s not in the diary or anything like that, she just loves all things equine.
“It’s my privilege as chairman to speak with her on the days she visits. I phone her in the morning, tell her what is going to happen throughout the day, who is playing and who isn’t, the involved charity or sponsor, and anything else note-worthy or interesting so she is best prepared. She likes to be briefed as to what is going on before she comes.
“Her Majesty has always been very, very supportive of the club. In times gone by, she would attend cocktail parties at the club and meet some of the social members. She hasn’t done that recently as she’s not as mobile as she used to be, but she’s very much involved with the club.”
Stein added: “I have met with Her Majesty many times over the years, and she is the most delightful, most wonderful person I think I’ve ever met in my life. I am not unique in saying that. I think everybody that comes into contact with her more than once would say exactly the same.
“She absolutely gives you her full attention when you speak to her. She is very interested in what you are saying, and she is very engaging.”