HRH The Princess Royal visited Cowdray Park Polo Club on Thursday 19th July when, as President of World Horse Welfare, she attended a fund-raising lunch to support the leading equine welfare charity.

Princess Anne was greeted on her arrival by helicopter by Lord Cowdray in his role as Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the county. He then escorted the Princess across Lawns 2 to the charity’s marquee outside which the annual Cowdray vs Guards polo match was played later in the afternoon. Before lunch, the Princess and guests had the opportunity to meet Pongo and Star, two of the many cases of neglect which the charity has dealt with in the past year and demonstrating how World Horse Welfare can transform the life of a horse or pony from desperate circumstances to good health and a happy life.

6 goal player Malcolm Borwick welcomed guests on behalf of Cowdray Park and introduced guests to the sport of polo – many of whom had not previously watched a match. One of the guests had the privilege of throwing in the ball before the match, in which the young Cowdray team was narrowly beaten by Guards. Mrs Fra Wood presented prizes to the teams.