The Duke of Sussex is going head-to-head against his friend, Nacho FiguerasPhoto: © HELLO

Meghan Markle watches on as Prince Harry wins charity polo match in Florida

On April 12, 2024, the Duchess of Sussex attended a charity polo match where her husband, the sporty prince, was rooting for his team and winning both of his matches.

The 39-year-old Duke of Sussex faced off against his close friend Nacho Figueras in the Royal Salute Polo Challenge, which is in support of Harry’s nonprofit organization, Sentebale. Harry was unable to score in the first match, but the Duke’s squad won 1-0; in the second, he scored one point against Nacho, and the team triumphed once more.

 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle walk hand in hand
Photo: © HELLO

 

Harry’s turn on the field came toward the end of the day. For the two matches he was scheduled to play in, the prince donned a blue jersey and white riding pants. He demonstrated his polo skills on the fields while the spectators were invited to applaud.

Wearing an ivory silk and hemp Heidi Merrick dress (which costs $515) with a cheeky cut-out section, Meghan looked stylish. She accessorized her ensemble with Valentino purse, Aquazzura heels, and vintage Chanel jewelry.

 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at charity polo match in Florida
Photo: © HELLO

 

Meghan was seen hugging Argentine polo player Nacho and his 11-year-old daughter Alba earlier in the day when the former royals arrived. Later, Harry and Meghan posed for photos with Nacho and his wife Delfina Blaquier.

The Sentebale executives were also greeted warmly, and when it was Harry and Nacho’s turn to be in front of the cameras, Meghan and Delfina clasped hands and exited the step and repeat.

 

Prince Harry plays polo in Florida
Photo: © HELLO

 

HI! captured the adorable moment Meghan put her arm around young Alba’s shoulder as they entered the venue. Nacho made a joke with the Duke and Duchess, saying Alba was curious as to why Lili, their youngest daughter, wasn’t there.

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Prince Harry plays polo in the number 2 jersey
Photo: © HELLO

 

This happened only a few days after the Duke spoke at a BetterUp coaching and mental health summit in San Francisco.

 

Meghan and Delfina walk away hand in hand
Photo: © HELLO

What is Sentebale?

In response to the needs of children and youth residing in the country of southern Africa, Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho co-founded Sentebale in 2006.

The name of the charity, Sentebale, is a pledge to remember and assist vulnerable children and means “forget-me-not” in the Sesotho language of Lesotho.

 

Meghan Markle walks with her arm around Nacho Figueras’ daughter Alba
Photo: © HELLO!

 

Over £11 million has been raised for Sentebale’s work with children and youth impacted by HIV/AIDS, poverty, and inequality in southern Africa since the annual Polo Cup began in 2010.

Prince Harry’s friendship with Nacho Figueras

The Argentine polo player and the royal have been friends since 2007, the year that Harry founded Sentebale.

 

Prince Harry with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho
Photo: © Getty Images

 

As a longstanding representative of the organization, Nacho said the following about Harry to PEOPLE magazine in 2022: “I could see how dedicated he was to his charity right away. After fifteen years, I’ve visited Lesotho a few times with him and have witnessed firsthand the wonderful work the charity accomplishes and its significance for many children. I’ve also witnessed his commitment to the cause and his genuine concern for it.”

 

Nacho and Harry in New York in 2009
Photo: © Getty Images

 

The two have participated in polo matches all over the world; their most recent match took place in August 2023 in Singapore. Nacho posted a funny behind-the-scenes photo of them both wearing sunglasses and “shopping for our wives” at a souvenir shop.

 

Harry and Nacho pose together in Japan
Photo: © Nacho Figueras

 

As their Netflix docuseries revealed, Nacho was among the friends who were aware of the Prince and Meghan’s romance shortly after their first date.

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In 2018, Nacho and his spouse, Delfina, were also present at Harry and Meghan’s royal wedding.

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