Prince Harry on horseback for Sentebale Handa Polo Cup in Singapore
REUTERS/EDGAR SU
Prince Harry has taken part in the Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup at Singapore Polo Club on Saturday, a sporting event he set up which aims to raise money for children affected by poverty, inequality and HIV/AIDS.
Prince Harry, 38, lined up for the Royal Salute Sentebale Team, taking on the Singapore Polo Club Team which was captained by his close friend and charity ambassador Nacho Figueras.
Over the last decade, the charity has reportedly raised more than £10million.
Sentebale was originally founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006.
Britain's Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, speaks with Argentinian polo player Nacho Figueras as they play in the Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup at the Singapore Polo Club, in Singapore August 12, 2023.
REUTERS/EDGAR SU
Harry previously shared a statement about the upcoming visit, which read: "The annual Polo Cup is essential to Sentebale's vital work ensuring children and young people are healthy, resilient and able to thrive.
"The funds raised this year will support our Clubs and Camps programme, which provides intensive psychosocial support to young people living with HIV.
"In a time where being HIV positive is no longer a death sentence, we are empowering young people to know their status, stay healthy, and eliminate the stigma so that they can break the cycle.
"We are delighted to return to the renowned Singapore Polo Club in August, and are once again enormously grateful for the polo community and our sponsors, in particular ISPS Handa, for their ongoing commitment to Lesotho and Botswana's youth."
Britain’s Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and Argentine polo player Nacho Figueras receive a trophy at the Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup at the Singapore Polo Club August 12, 2023.
REUTERS/EDGAR SU
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, arrives with Argentinian polo player Nacho Figueras for the Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup at the Singapore Polo Club in Singapore, August 12, 2023.
REUTERS/EDGAR SU
The Duke previously played polo in Singapore in 2017, when the region played host to the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup.
Prince Harry had previously stopped off in Tokyo with Figueras to attend the International Sports Promotion Society (ISPS Handa) summit on the power of sport and philanthropy on August 9.
While in Japan, the pair took some time out to go ‘shopping for their wives,’ as they struck a pose for the camera wearing women’s sunglasses.
At the ISPS summit, Harry praised the “warmth, compassion and generosity” of the Japanese people and said that he would “happily live here if you’d have me.”
The Sussexes are due to make a public appearance together in September for the 2023 Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, Germany.
REUTERS/EDGAR SU
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, poses with Argentinian polo player Nacho Figueras, Singapore Polo Club President Lawrence Khong, Chair of Sentebale Sophie Chandauka, and former All Blacks player Dan Carter for the Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup at the Singapore Polo Club, Singapore, August 12, 2023.
REUTERS/EDGAR SU
The Duke said: “I've been involved in many charities for most of my life and I get a huge amount of fulfilment giving back to as many people as possible.
“My life is charity, always has been, always will be.”
He joined a panel discussion with former New Zealand rugby player Dan Carter who is an ambassador for sponsor of the polo cup, ISPS Handa.
PRINCE HARRY LATEST:
It was the first time that the prince had played polo in Singapore since 2017.
REUTERS/EDGAR SU
Harry’s title was removed from the Royal Family Website recently, three years after it was agreed he would lose it in the Megxit.
REUTERS/EDGAR SU
When approached by reporters, Harry quipped: "Good to see you again.”
The Sentebale website explains its mission: "There has been a strong focus on HIV/AIDS – especially through psychosocial support, outreach work into communities and our purpose-built centre where children living with HIV can attend week long camps and receive in-depth support.”
The outing comes after a major royal reshuffle of military appointments, in which Prince William was bequeathed the title of Colonel-in-Chief of The Army Air Corps by his father, while Princess Kate was granted three new roles.
The Prince and Princess of Wales assume increasing responsibility at the expense of Prince Andrew and Prince Harry.
Britain’s Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex holds a trophy as the Argentinian polo player Nacho Figueras looks on at the Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup at the Singapore Polo Club August 12, 2023.
REUTERS/EDGAR SU
The Duke of Sussex might have once been lined up for the ceremonial top job of The Army Air Corps, given that he served as a 662 Squadron Apache helicopter pilot in Afghanistan.
However, Harry’s decision to step back from the Royal Family led to him being stripped of his honorary military appointments and ruled him out of further incorporation.
Harry’s title was removed from the Royal Family Website recently, three years after it was agreed he would lose it in the Megxit.
The Sussexes are due to make a public appearance together in September for the 2023 Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, Germany.