Prince Harry's recent trip to Asia, which included stops in Tokyo and Singapore, was not just about his royal duties but also about his deep-rooted commitment to the Sentebale charity. Founded in 2006 by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, Sentebale's mission is to support children and young people in southern Africa affected by poverty, inequality, and HIV/AIDS.
While in Tokyo, the Duke of Sussex attended the ISPS Sports Values Summit-Special Edition, where he spoke about the charity's initiatives. His journey then took him to Singapore, where he participated in the Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup. The event, which saw the Royal Salute Sentebale Team, led by Prince Harry, tie 7-7 against the Singapore Polo Club Team, raised a commendable $1 million for the cause.
Nacho Figueras, a close friend of Prince Harry and captain of the opposing team, accompanied the Duke during his Asian tour. In a candid chat with Hello! magazine, Figueras revealed that both of them missed their wives during the trip. "We miss our wives very much," he expressed. The polo professional, who is married to Argentine businesswoman Delfina Blaquier, reminisced about the times when Meghan Markle and Blaquier supported their husbands from the polo sidelines. In fact, last year, the Duchess of Sussex was seen cheering for Prince Harry during a match at the Santa Barbara Polo Club.
Figueras also highlighted the friendly rivalry he shares with Prince Harry on the polo field. While they have played together for several years, Figueras emphasized that their primary goal is not to win but to raise funds for charity. He lauded Prince Harry's unwavering commitment to Sentebale, recalling their trip to Lesotho and how the Duke always seeks ways to enhance the charity's impact. "He's always the first person to point out that there's something that can be better," Figueras said, terming the Duke's dedication as "very inspiring."
During the polo event, Prince Harry paid a heartfelt tribute to his late mother, Princess Diana. He spoke about Sentebale's mission and how it remains rooted in honouring the legacy of their mothers. "In honour of our late mothers, we wish to ensure all children and young people in southern Africa are empowered, healthy, and able to pursue their ambitions and dreams," he stated.
The Duke also emphasized Sentebale's long-standing role in supporting communities across southern Africa. He praised the charity's adaptability and resilience, ensuring that future generations are well-equipped to tackle global challenges.
Before heading to Singapore, Figueras shared a light-hearted moment with Prince Harry on Instagram, showing them shopping for sunglasses in Tokyo, humorously captioned, "Shopping for our wives."
The Sentebale Polo Cup, which began in Barbados in 2010, has successfully raised over $14 million for the organization. Figueras, who has been supporting Sentebale alongside Prince Harry for 15 years, remains a testament to their enduring friendship and shared commitment to a noble cause.
