On The Hoof: Audi Drives The Action At Royal Charity Polo Cup

For the fifth consecutive year, Audi brought its backing to the prestigious Royal Charity Polo Cup on Friday (10 July), where the Prince of Wales competed against top international players in the magnificent grounds of Flemish Farm (a truly Rivals worthy affair). The Princess of Wales watched on in her first appearance at the event since her cancer treatment recovery, ultimately presenting the winner’s trophy to her victorious husband. Jeremy Taylor reports from the sidelines.

Audi presented the Q6 alongside this year’s competitors.

In Brief: Royal Charity Polo Cup 2026

How do you explain the rules of polo to people who’ve never watched a chukka in their life? Perhaps matchplay is immaterial when the future king of England is in the team.

With wife Catherine, Princess of Wales watching from the sidelines, William took part in a fast-paced polo tournament on Friday, held in the magnificent grounds of Flemish Farm, framed by breathtaking views of Windsor Castle.

Audi was the Royal Charity Polo’s principle sponsor for the fifth year running.

For the fifth consecutive year, Audi proudly served as an official sponsor of the charity game, an event that not only showcases world-class polo but also raises vital funds and awareness for ten charitable organisations supported by the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Cheering her husband on to victory, Kate saw William ride competitively against top polo players from around the world. Saddling up in his team were former England captain Mark Tomlinson and Leicester City football club boss Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha.

Prince William saddled up against top polo players from around the world.

William has competed 15 times in the event, which is held annually at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor. In 2026, Kate cheered for the future King of the United Kingdom as temperatures climbed to 32°C. This year marked the Princess of Wales’ first return to spectating the match since 2023, following her cancer treatment and recovery.

Also watching on William’s side was the Prince’s cousin Peter Philips alongside his wife Harriet, whom he married in the Cotswolds last month. William’s team went on to win the round robin event, giving photographers the image they all wanted: a Royal kiss as Kate presented her husband with the winner’s trophy.

Prince William has competed 15 times at the Royal Charity Polo.

Speaking at the event, match commentator Karl Ude Martinez explained the Royal Family’s long-standing love of polo. ‘His [William’s] father played. King Charles got up to a very good handicap. Their grandfather also played, the late Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip. He played for many years and competed in many a big tournament.

‘William has played for years but he doesn’t often get time to play,’ Martinez added. ‘He doesn’t get time to play at all because of his commitments and his busy schedule. To have him here today to play is truly a very rare occasion.’

Princess Catherine’s sold-out Temperley London gingham dress was another highlight of the afternoon.

Kate’s Temperley London gingham dress (sadly sold out) was another highlight of the afternoon. The dress featured a square neckline with thick straps and a form-fitting bodice. Cinched at the waist, the black and white material transitioned into a flowing midi skirt. Her tan pointed toe slingback pumps were Camilla Elphick’s Lucia, complemented by Gabrielle earrings from Sézane (neither still available to shop).

It is thought more than £1 million was raised for a selection of charities close to the Wales’ hearts. Those who will benefit are the Wales Air Ambulance, The Royal College of Paramedics, Shout, Ty Hafan, Forward Trust, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Maternal Mental Health Alliance, We Are Farming Minds, The Passage, and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.