GUARDS LADIES’ CHARITY POLO FINAL
Photo by Art of Polo
Tradition, purpose and excellence at the heart of British lifestyle.
Set within 130 majestic acres of Windsor Great Park, a landscape long cherished by kings and queens, lies one of Europe’s most distinguished polo clubs, the Guards Polo Club. Founded by His Royal Highness Prince Philip in 1955 and currently under the patronage of His Majesty King Charles III, the club has become a global symbol of excellence in the sport, with ten tournament grade polo fields that set the gold standard.
It was here that the Ladies’ Charity Polo Final took place, an event that blends British high society with meaningful purpose. The day was dedicated to raising funds for Look Good Feel Better, an inspiring organisation that supports people undergoing cancer treatment, helping restore their self confidence and dignity. A heartfelt testimony shared during the event moved the entire audience, reminding us that elegance and empathy belong side by side.
As a journalist, it was a privilege to be welcomed into the hospitality lounge, meticulously curated by the renowned Searcys, a hallmark of British fine dining and luxury events.
With a history spanning over 175 years, Searcys is revered for its flawless service and culinary refinement. Their presence is felt in some of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious venues, including the iconic Gherkin, the sophisticated restaurant at St Pancras International, the elegant 116 Pall Mall, and establishments across Oxford, Bath, Windsor, Blenheim Palace and other historic landmarks where British heritage meets modern luxury. Their execution at the Guards Polo Club was, as always, polished and impeccable.
Lunch, curated in collaboration with celebrated chef Richard Corrigan, featured a beautifully grilled stone bass with lemon and dill butter, served alongside confit potatoes and sea vegetables, a delicate and memorable harmony of flavour. Dessert came in the form of an airy Eton Mess with summer berries and fresh cream, the perfect conclusion to an elevated meal.
The hospitality marquee, nestled within the Clubhouse Garden, was an elegant oasis. With its floral tablescapes, crisp rosé, classic Pimm’s and attentive staff, it offered the ideal environment for relaxed conversations and joyful reunions, all under the gentle summer sun.
Among the many unforgettable moments, I was truly delighted to receive a compliment on my dress from the beloved writer Dame Jilly Cooper, a personal icon and one of the great voices of British literature. The afternoon also led to the discovery of exceptional creative talents, including Kitty Arden Designs, a brand I fell in love with for its hand painted ceramics, bold accessories and spirited aesthetic.
As the sun dipped behind the grand pines of Windsor, the atmosphere shifted into celebration, with a DJ playing the finest tunes from the 1980s. Madonna’s iconic anthems set the tone for a closing that was as vibrant and joyful as the day itself.
Attending the Guards Ladies’ Charity Polo Final was more than covering an event, it was an immersion in British culture at its finest, where tradition, philanthropy, exceptional hospitality and meaningful encounters all came together in a setting of rare elegance.
Credit photos by Art of Polo
