Prince Harry may have moved to a whole different continent, but that doesn't mean he's leaving behind all of his favorite English traditions.
Thankfully for the Duke of Sussex, there are polo matches he can participate in in Southern California, meaning he doesn't have to give up on his longtime sport practice.
In his first public sighting after returning to the U.S. from the Jubilee celebrations in England, Harry was photographed playing the sport with his local team, Los Padres, in Carpinteria, Santa Barbara County, on June 10. This comes after he played a match at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club back in May.
But polo isn't just a sport for the royal: It's also a passion he's shared with his dad Prince Charles and older brother Prince William since he was a little kid. Considering how frosty relations seem to be between Harry and his family these days, it feels significant that he is leaning into this activity they so clearly have in common while being physically separated from them.
"Prince Harry has played polo all his life, so it's not surprising he has opted to continue the sport in California," royal expert Kerry Parnell tells Marie Claire.
"He has given up so much of his former life, but his passion for polo is clear from the recent photos of him on—and even off—horseback.
"In fact, you could say it's a fitting metaphor for his new life—after returning to the U.K. for the Platinum Jubilee, he's back in the saddle and galloping into his future."
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
While in the U.K., it's fair to say the prince won't have felt particularly welcome—he didn't spend any alone time with the Duke of Cambridge, and only got 15 minutes with the Queen. Maybe playing polo is his way to feel close to his family in that way.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle and Shape. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Anne Hathaway Details the "Gross" Audition Request She Once Endured
"Now we know better."
By Meghan De Maria Published
-
The Emotional Ending of 'Baby Reindeer,' Explained
Netflix's latest miniseries from Richard Gadd is based on the true story of the comedian and his stalker.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
The Must-Visit Hair Colorists in New York City
I trust these talented colorists implicitly.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
-
Will Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet Appear in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Two New Netflix Series?
Filming for both shows—about polo and cookery—began this month.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince William Makes Moving Promise About Princess Kate at His First Public Appearance Since She Revealed She Has Cancer
He also revealed his youngest child Prince Louis’ favorite sport while at the engagement.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince Harry Has Changed His Official Residence to the U.S.
Don't make it mean more than it does, k?
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
As He Prepares to Return to Royal Duty Tomorrow After Nearly A Month Away, Prince William Is Struggling with “Immense” Pressure, Reports Say
“There’s a lot at stake, and he does need support.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince William Single-Handedly Planned His and Kate Middleton’s Romantic Honeymoon
Kate had no idea where they were headed on their two week luxurious break from reality until after their 2011 wedding.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Meghan Markle Thinks Prince Harry Is "Making a Big Mistake" in Wanting to Reach Out to William, Kate: Source
She's worried he'll get hurt again.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince Harry "Loves Being a Dad" to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, According to His Longtime Friend
Parenthood suits the Duke of Sussex.
By Meghan De Maria Published
-
Prince William and Prince George Enjoy Boys' Night Out at Soccer Game
They cheered on their team.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published