Polo victory for Princes

by TOM RAWSTORNE, Daily Mail

For the first time, the full might of the polo-playing Princes was deployed.

Calling themselves Team Highgrove, Charles, William and Harry joined forces yesterday with New Zealander Duncan Forbes to take on their more fancied opponents.

And in an impressive display of family commitment to the cause, Highgrove's finest snatched a surprise victory.

It was left to William, making his first public appearance since returning from four months in Africa, to score a vital goal as they defeated the home team at Cirencester Park Polo Club in Gloucestershire.

Highgrove, who started the match half a goal ahead due to the handicapping system used in polo, finished winners by 4.5 goals to 4. William scored the third goal with Mr Forbes collecting a hat-trick.

It was the first time the three Princes have taken to the pitch side-by-side and it was clear Charles was in no mood for such an event to be marked by defeat.

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At one stage Charles, who is ranked a superior player to his sons, hurled his stick to the ground in disgust and demanded a replacement.

'It is a tremendously exciting sport to watch and they were charging around like there was no tomorrow,' said one onlooker.

'They are clearly all very good horsemen and while they were playing on the same team there was clearly a bit of friendly rivalry between them.'

While all three Princes wore protective helmets throughout, only Charles had a wire grill designed to protect his face.

Having picked up injuries including a broken right arm playing polo he is only too aware just how dangerous the game can be.

Following the match, 19-year-old William lined up beside Harry, 16, as the crowd was told the event had raised £30,000 for charity.

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