The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, has been captured demonstrating his considerable polo talents during a competitive match set against the stunning snowy backdrop of Aspen, Colorado.
A Royal Presence on the Field
The 41-year-old royal was the centre of attention at the World Snow Polo Championships, held at Rio Grande Park. For the occasion, he sported a vibrant blue pullover, a black helmet, white trousers, and black sunglasses while expertly riding a brown horse. His team for the high-level tournament included noted polo players Grant Gazi and Nic Roldan.
However, the spotlight was firmly on his friendly rivalry with Argentine polo professional Nacho Figueras. The 48-year-old, often called the "David Beckham of polo", has been a close friend of Harry's since 2007. Figueras has emerged as one of the most vocal supporters of both Harry and Meghan Markle, frequently praising the couple in media interviews.
A Friendship Forged On and Off the Pitch
The bond between the prince and the polo star extends far beyond the sport. Figueras, who is also a model, featured in the couple's Netflix documentary, Harry & Meghan. He recounted how the Duke confided in him after an early date with Meghan. Figueras and his wife, Delfina Blaquier, even joined Harry for dinner shortly after he met his future wife in 2017.
Figueras was also a guest at their 2018 wedding and has publicly pledged to defend his friends. In a September 2019 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, he stated he would 'defend his friends' with his life' and described Meghan as 'incredible' for giving up her previous life for love.
Competitive History and Charitable Links
This Aspen match continues a series of sporting encounters between the two. Just last year, Harry secured a victory against the professional player during a charity polo match in Miami, Florida. That celebrity pro-am game benefited Sentebale, the charity the prince co-founded in 2006 to support children affected by HIV in Lesotho and Botswana.
Notably, Harry resigned as patron of Sentebale in March 2025 following a series of allegations made by the charity's new chair, Dr Sophie Chandauka. His connection to the sport through charity remains strong, however. In 2022, he won a charity tournament in Colorado after scoring an impressive five goals, and his team previously clinched the Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup in Aspen.
Meanwhile, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan, did not accompany her husband to Colorado. It is understood she remained at home in California with their children. Her week has been challenging, having been labelled "villain of the year" by a Los Angeles business owner.
The Duke's participation in the World Snow Polo Championships underscores his enduring passion for the sport and the unique blend of camaraderie and competition he shares with his long-time friend, Nacho Figueras.
