A Royal Match raises thousands in funds for the Prince’s charities
The Duke of Cambridge was welcomed to Langley Abbey Estate in Norfolk, to play in the inaugural Norfolk
Polo Royal Charity Cup, hosted by owners of Norfolk Polo Club, Mr & Mrs Townsend. The Royal Match
was played on 7 th July, in aid of SkillForce and English Schools Swimming Association and raised over
£90,000 for the charities, of which the Duke of Cambridge is Patron.
Leading construction solutions business, Tarmac, sponsored the Royal Team and Feedmark, the long-
established Norfolk equine health company, provided sponsorship of the opposing team.
The match was fast and furious with some wonderful goals being scored by both teams. Spectators
ventured out to tread in at half time and enjoyed a rare opportunity to watch The Duke of Cambridge in
action. Tarmac were the eventual winners beating Feedmark 6-5 to lift the Charity Cup presented to HRH
by both charities CEOs.
A wonderfully diverse line up of players highlighted how inclusive polo really is with HRH Duke of
Cambridge playing alongside the current England Ladies Captain Hazel Jackson, renowned international
professional George Meyrick and Paul Bussey, whose famous Norfolk family firm also supported the day.
The Feedmark team consisted of Irish International Richard Le Poer, Scottish player and adventurer Robert
Dundas and the Townsend brothers, Tom and Charlie, both teenagers and both Young England players.
Director of Norfolk Polo, Chris Townsend commented: “We are delighted to be joined by His Royal
Highness, it’s a real privilege to have him play at the club and to help raise significant funds for the charities
the Duke supports as a Patron. I hope his Highness has enjoyed his time in Norfolk and the opportunity to
play in between his busy schedule.”
Prior to the match, guests were treated to welcome drinks followed by an exquisite locally sourced lunch
served up with usual panache and sponsored by Brasteds, the respected Norfolk caterers. After lunch
guests gathered on the lawn for a polo rules demonstration before TV presenter, Helen McDermott, threw
the ball in to start the match from a wonderfully apt vintage Bentley motor car.
Tarmac’s Senior Vice President, Martin Riley, said: “We’re committed to supporting the communities in
which we operate and are delighted to support this special event and with it, the work of two organisations
which help young people fulfil their potential.”
After the presentations guests could stay to enjoy an authentic Argentine Asado and the day finished with a
breath taking aerobatic display finale.
