Former England polo player Jamie Morrison says he considers it an ‘honour’ to have played with Princes William and Harry and has praised the royal brothers for their ‘down to earth camaraderie’ on the field.
The Duke of Cambridge and Duke of Sussex are both talented sportsmen and use the game as a vehicle to raise money for their chosen charitable causes, and have generated more than £10million since 2007.
They recently competed in the King Power Royal Charity Polo Day for the Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Memorial Trophy at Billingbear Polo Club in Wokingham.
The duo were joined by their wives – the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Sussex – and children for the occasion, which seemed like an idyllic family day out.
The Duke of Cambridge and Duke of Sussex are both talented sportsmen and use polo as a vehicle to raise money for their chosen charitable causes. Pictured playing at the Billingbear Polo Club in Wokingham
Former England polo player Jamie Morrison says he considers it an ‘honour’ to have played with Princes William and Harry. Pictured at the Hurlingham Polo International Day at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club last month
Though Jamie wasn’t playing in the match, which was won by William’s team, he said it’s ‘always great fun’ when the princes are competing.
‘It’s always an honour and privilege to play with members of the Royal Family, which I have on many occasions,’ Jamie told FEMAIL.
‘The Royal Family’s involvement in polo is a long-standing tradition.
‘They are really down to earth and enjoy the sport and it’s always great fun and camaraderie when on the field.’
Though polite Jamie, 42, wouldn’t let slip who is the better player, quipping: ‘I’ll let them answer that!’
Jamie, pictured far right at the Sentebale Polo in 2018, held at the RCBPC, said it’s ‘always great fun’ when the princes are competing
Despite the sport’s reputation as being reserved for high society and the elite, Jamie, who is chairman of the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club – the Official Home of England Polo, is determined to make it more accessible to the masses.
Having first climbed onto the back of a horse at the tender age of five, Jamie began playing polo at 14 – inspired by his working class father, the late Bryan Morrison.
Bryan, an eminent music mogul who worked with the likes of Pink Floyd, Elton John and George Michael, fell in love with the game in his thirties after watching a match in East London and learning to play at Ham Polo Club.
He later founded the RCBPC, which was officially opened by Prince Charles in 1986 – who became the first member to sign up.
The Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex turned their most recent polo outing into a family occasion. Pictured, Kate with children George, Charlotte and Louis at the match
Sadly Bryan passed away in September 2008 aged 66 following a freak polo accident at the club in 2006 that left him in a coma for two years.
Speaking about his father’s relationship with the Prince of Wales, Jamie said: ‘They had a mutual respect and were both passionate about the game.
‘Dad was always grateful for his support of our club.’
While he acknowledges the royal connection to the sport does contribute to its reputation as being a privileged endeavour, Jamie observed: ‘The very reason my dad set up our club was he wanted it to be a club for everyone, no matter where you come from or how much money you have.
‘That had royal support from the beginning, so I think people are surprised by how inclusive it is, and we want to be a driving force in that message.
‘We are ambitious and committed to showing people why this sport is incredible and open to all, and we are also without limitation with the initiatives we bring to the club to expand our audience and that of polo.
Jamie began playing polo at 14 – inspired by his father, the late Bryan Morrison, pictured
‘We have an incredible legacy, one which spans across sport and entertainment, and we are very humbled that the motives that led to this club being formed remain woven through the walls at the heart of the Berkshire.
‘We are building on this, so that long after we are all gone, families, sportsmen and the community can enjoy this club and its space for years to come.’
The annual fee for a ‘lifestyle membership’ is a relatively modest £350, and gets you private invitations to members only social events such as Asados (Argentine barbecues), gin tastings, lunches in the Clubhouse or private dining evenings in the Royal Pavilion, as well as access to watch chukkas and tournament polo.
The glamorous RCBPC, set on a sprawling 220-acre estate on the outskirts of Windsor, is certainly fast becoming one of the places to be seen.
Last year it hosted the Sentebale Polo Cup, held to raise funds for Prince Harry’s charity which supports young people with HIV and Aids in Lesotho.
During the prize presentation, Meghan congratulated her husband with a kiss after his Sentebale St Regis team won 5-4 over Royal Salute – leaving international polo legend and male model Nacho Figueras playing gooseberry as he tried to present the duke with the winner’s trophy.
The club featured in the final episode of the latest season of Made in Chelsea. Pictured: cast members who attended the match
Earlier this year it featured in the final episode of the latest season of Made in Chelsea, where cast members Olivia Bentley, James Taylor and Verity Bowditch all took to the field.
Last month it hosted the illustrious Hurlingham Polo International Day, where England and world number one Argentina battled for the Coronation Cup – which was won convincingly by the latter.
Five times Olympic British dressage rider Carl Hester MBE hosted an impressive masterclass at the event, demonstrating the incredible training techniques that earned him his place on the world stage.
The after-party was hosted by Mahiki – the royals’ favourite nightclub – who staged their signature tropical paradise enclosure for a party which went on into the night.
Jamie, whose notable polo career wins include the High Goal Prince of Wales trophy, the Eduardo Moore trophy and the Julian Howard Hipwood Trophy, still plays several times a week and has no plans to hang up his mallet.
‘I love it,’ he said. ‘I have to balance playing now with running the club and all the things affiliated with the RCBPC brand but I don’t foresee ever giving up.
‘It’s an amazing sport and a brilliant way to switch off.’
