Prince of Wales marks 14th charity polo match, raising £1m while princess Kate remains absent

Prince William saddled up once again on Friday for his annual charity polo match, securing victory on the field and raising £1 million for causes close to his and the Princess of Wales’ hearts.

Competing in the Out-Sourcing Inc Royal Charity Polo Cup 2025 at Guards Polo Club in Windsor Great Park, the Prince of Wales took centre stage—just a short ride from his family home. This marked his 14th appearance in the event, which has now raised a total of £14 million since its inception.

While Prince William trotted confidently across the pitch, the Princess of Wales was notably absent—for the second year running. Having recently appeared at the state banquet at Windsor Castle seated next to French President Emmanuel Macron, the Princess is continuing her recovery following cancer treatment and has reduced public engagements. Many remain hopeful that she will appear at Wimbledon this weekend, presenting trophies in her capacity as patron of the All England Club.

On the field, the Prince played as a number four, a defensive role, and managed to score a goal that helped clinch the win for his team. Polo commentator Karl Ude-Martinez light-heartedly praised the Prince’s performance, joking, “He doesn’t play regularly; he’s going to have to stretch after this one.”

“It trickled in, it wasn’t pretty—but we’ll claim that one,” he added, referencing William’s lone goal of the match.

Among the distinguished guests cheering from the sidelines were Peter Phillips, the Prince’s cousin, and his girlfriend Harriet Sperling, as well as singer Katherine Jenkins with her husband Andrew Levitas. Guests enjoyed a champagne reception, a silent auction, and charity lunch following the match.

This year’s match supported ten charities, reflecting the personal patronages and causes championed by both the Prince and Princess. These included Child Bereavement UK, Family Action, NHS Charities Together, and the British Red Cross.

Also benefitting was Fields in Trust, a charity long associated with the late Prince Philip. William, who previously served as its president, handed over the role to former England footballer Jill Scott earlier this year. The two were photographed together during England’s semi-final win at the Euros this week.

Other recipients include We Are Farming Minds, a charity aimed at supporting isolated and struggling farmers. Backed by the Duchy of Cornwall, the Prince recently became its patron. The Royal African Society, the Anna Freud Centre, and East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices were also named among the beneficiaries.

Tony Adams, former England football captain and now chair of trustees at The Forward Trust, highlighted the importance of high-profile events like this in boosting underfunded causes such as addiction support. The Princess of Wales is the Trust’s royal patron.

“Most charities are coming up against huge problems with fundraising,” Adams said. “Addiction charities are way down the line when it comes to attention. That’s why we need events like this.”

He praised the Princess’s support in destigmatising addiction, noting: “She’s taken away the stigma… it’s not a weakness, it’s a strength to come forward.”

With glorious weather, royal fanfare, and star-studded support, Prince William’s return to the pitch proved more than ceremonial—it was a symbol of continuity and commitment to charitable work even as the royal family navigates personal and public challenges.