Polo is often referred to as the "Game of Kings"
due to its long history and association with royalty and the elite. The sport
has its roots in ancient Persia, where it was played by nobility as a way to
train for war. It later spread to other parts of the world, including India,
where it was embraced by the British colonial authorities and became a popular
pastime among the elite.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, polo was introduced to
Europe and North America, where it quickly became a popular sport among the
wealthy and influential. It was seen as a sport of the upper class, with
exclusive clubs and tournaments that were only open to the wealthy.
The association of polo with royalty and the elite can also
be attributed to the fact that it is a physically demanding and expensive sport
to play. The horses used in polo are specially trained and can be quite costly
to purchase and maintain. In addition, the sport requires the use of
specialized equipment, including polo sticks and balls, which can also be
expensive.
Despite its association with the wealthy and influential, polo has also gained popularity among a wider audience in recent years. It is now played at various levels, from amateur to professional, and is enjoyed by people from all walks of life. However, it still retains its reputation as the "Game of Kings" and remains a popular pastime among the elite.
It is no surprise, then, that both Prince William and Prince
Harry are avid polo players.
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, is a patron of the
England Polo Team and has been playing the sport for over 20 years. He learned
to play polo while attending Eton College and has since become a formidable
player on the field. In fact, he has even competed in international
tournaments, including the Jerudong Trophy in Brunei and the Audi Polo
Challenge in Ascot.
Like his brother, Prince Harry is also an accomplished polo
player. He learned to play the sport while attending Ludgrove School and has
since participated in numerous tournaments around the world. In 2007, he won
the Jerudong Trophy with his team, the Black Bears.
In addition to their love of the sport, both Prince William
and Prince Harry use their participation in polo tournaments to raise money for
charity. In 2007, they established the Royal Salute Coronation Cup, which is an
annual polo match that raises funds for their chosen charities. The event has
become a highlight of the British polo calendar and has raised millions of
pounds for good causes.
Prince Harry is a patron of Sentebale, a charity that he
co-founded in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. The charity aims to support
the vulnerable and HIV-positive children of Lesotho and Botswana, many of whom
have been orphaned by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
One of the ways that Prince Harry has raised funds for
Sentebale is through the sport of polo. In 2010, he organized the Sentebale
Polo Cup in aid of the charity, which has since become an annual event. The
Sentebale Polo Cup brings together top polo players from around the world to
compete in a match, with all proceeds going to the charity.
In addition to the Sentebale Polo Cup, Prince Harry has also
participated in other polo tournaments in support of the charity. For example,
he has played in the Audi Polo Challenge in Ascot, which raises money for
Sentebale as well as other children's charities.
Through his involvement in polo, Prince Harry has been able
to use his love of the sport to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable
children. The funds raised through these events have helped to provide medical
care, education, and support to those in need.
While they may be known for their royal duties and
philanthropic work, both Prince William and Prince Harry are passionate about
polo and use the sport as a way to relax and unwind. It is clear that their
love of the game runs deep and that they have a strong bond on and off the
field.
But what is it about polo that attracts these royal
brothers? For one, the sport requires a high level of skill and strategy.
Players must be able to anticipate their opponents' moves and be in control of
their horse at all times. It is a physically demanding sport that requires a
strong upper body, good hand-eye coordination, and quick reflexes.
In addition to the physical demands of the sport, polo also
requires a strong mental game. Players must be able to stay focused and make
split-second decisions under pressure. It is a game of strategy and finesse,
and those who excel at it are respected by their peers.
But perhaps the biggest draw of polo for Prince William and
Prince Harry is the camaraderie and sense of community that comes with it. The
sport has a strong social aspect and is often played at exclusive events and
parties. It is a way for these royal brothers to connect with others who share
their love of the game and to escape the pressures of their royal duties.
In conclusion, Prince William and Prince Harry are both
passionate and skilled polo players. They use their love of the sport to raise
money for charity and to bond with others who share their passion. It is clear
that polo is more than just a game for these royal brothers; it is a way of
life.