Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XVI

4 9 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I W hat an absolute privilege, and a once-in-a-lifetime thrill, it was for us to have attended the incredible Sentebale Polo Cup at Ghantoot Polo & Racing Club in Abu Dhabi. Thanks to the gracious hospitality of British Polo Day co-founder TomHudson and his lovely wife Jessica, we had the honour of enjoying this truly unforgettable experience, the memory of which will stay with us forever. It was a star-studded event, to be sure, but at the centre of attention were the two men who founded the Sentebale charity ten years ago: His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales – more popularly known as Prince Harry – and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. The two princes met in Lesotho during Prince Harry’s gap year in the African nation, and together they founded Sentebale in memory of their mothers, the late Diana, Princess of Wales, and Queen Mamohato of Lesotho. To say the appearance of the two princes, as well as members of the Emirati royalty and other local luminaries, at the spectacular Ghantoot Polo & Racing Club created a bit of a buzz would be quite an understatement. As we took in the many sights around the Club that beautiful afternoon, the air was electric with excitement. Returning from an official visit to Oman, Prince Harry arrived in Abu Dhabi looking every inch the sportsman in an indigo blue shirt and white denim trousers. He and Prince Seeiso then spent time meeting withmany of the VIPs in attendance: HH Sheikh Falah bin Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan; Argentinian polo legend (and on-field friendly rival) Nacho Figueras and his beautiful wife Delfina Blaquier; the newly engaged singer Geri Halliwell and her fiancé ChristianHorner of the Infiniti Red Bull Racing Formula One team; Scottish racing legend Jackie Stewart; Downton Abbey actor Dan Stevens; and former Miss Australia Jessica Kahawaty, among others. The event’s generous sponsors included Rolex, St. Regis, Huntsman, Garrard/Damas, Jaguar Land Rover, Etihad, and of course our venue host, Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, whilst Royal Salute World Polo served as the presenting sponsor. The combined efforts of all of these organisations ensured an absolutely top-notch day and evening for all of the assembled guests, dignitaries, and polo fans. As the daylight began to fade away and a simply majestic sunset illuminated the grounds, we joined the rest of the crowd along the sidelines to witness the main event. And no one could have been disappointed with the wonderful display of Prince Harry visits Abu Dhabi for the Sentebale Polo Cup By Arnie S. Hira and Jordana Lynch TheKingof SportsReturns

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