The Guards Polo Club is an English polo club located in Windsor, Berkshire. It has a rich history and strong ties to the British royal family. Let’s dive into the details:
Formation and Royal Association:
Founded on January 25, 1955, the club was initially known as the Household Brigade Polo Club.
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, served as the club’s president from its inception until his passing in April 2021.
Queen Elizabeth II was the club’s patron.
In May 2024, King Charles III was announced as the new president of the club.
Location and Facilities:
The club is based at Smiths Lawn, situated within Windsor Great Park.
It boasts ten polo pitches spread across 53 hectares (130 acres).
Stables, paddocks, and training facilities are located four miles away at Flemish Farm.
In 2009, a new clubhouse and Royal box were inaugurated by the Queen and Prince Philip³.
Membership and Prestige:
The Guards Polo Club claims to have the largest membership of any polo club in Europe.
It hosts elite high-goal tournaments alongside three other UK polo clubs: Cirencester Park, Cowdray Park, and the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club.
The Polo Magazine has dubbed it «the most prestigious polo club in the world».
Notable Events:
The Hurlingham Polo Association’s International Day, held at the end of July, draws crowds of over 30,000 people.
The club’s playing season runs from April to mid-September.
Key tournaments include the Queen’s Cup (high goal), Royal Windsor (medium goal), and the Archie David (low goal).
The club also hosts the Inter-Regimental, Duke of Wellington Trophy, and Nations Cup.
Remember, the Guards Polo Club has a fascinating legacy, combining tradition, royalty, and world-class polo.
Source: PoloHUB Read More
