A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the Foundation Polo Cup, Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club

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My father, The Prince of Wales, and my brother, Harry, were as green as that grass outside when I told them I'd be here today.

Thank you very much for the very warm welcome and thanks to you, Ambassador Holden. In terms of coming back, that depends on the result out there today.  I'm not a good loser!

I was extremely delighted when Ambassador Holden asked me to play polo here, at the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club. It has to be one of the most beautiful polo grounds anywhere in the world. As a keen polo player, it's also an honour for me to celebrate with you this afternoon this famous Club's one hundredth birthday. My father, The Prince of Wales, and my brother, Harry, were as green as that grass outside when I told them I'd be here today.

Catherine and I have had a busy few days - so the prospect of being able to let loose this afternoon is wonderful for me. But that's what sport is all about - be it polo or football, sorry I mean soccer or whatever your preferred sport is - more specifically how sport helps young people to find purpose in life - is a key element to the Foundation that Catherine, Harry and I have established.

We are focusing on helping military veterans and their families; and, following my father's example, working on sustainable development. We also want to give the most disadvantaged young in society hope and confidence in their lives. We feel passionately about this.

But today is about Santa Barbara polo - a hundred glorious years. Thank you Ambassador Holden. Thank you Tiffany's for the beautiful Foundation Cup, which I'll be picking up later. Here's to the next century - happy birthday!

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