prince harry nacho figueras senteble polo match© ROSLAN RAHMAN,Getty

Prince Harry reveals he missed Meghan Markle 'very much' at Sentebale Polo match

The Duke of Sussex was joined by close pal Nacho Figueras as he played on the Royal Salute Sentebale Team

Updated: August 12, 2023

Prince Harry's friend Nacho Figueras has revealed he and the Duke of Sussex missed their wives, Meghan Markle and Delfina Blaquier, "very much" while in Singapore playing a charity polo match for Sentebale.

The charity was founded by the Prince and supports vulnerable young people across Lesotho and Botswana. Harry played for the the Royal Salute Sentebale Team, captained by charity ambassador Nacho, against the Singapore Polo Club Team.

© Samir Hussein

Nacho and Prince Harry were missing their wives

Shortly after posing for a number of photos ahead of the match, Nacho caught up with HELLO! and made the touching revelation about himself and the Duke of Sussex.

"We miss our wives very much," the polo professional confessed. "This was a very short trip, although it's a few days, it's a lot of travelling for 24 hours in Japan and a few hours here, but we miss them we wish they were here."

© Matt Jelonek

Harry paid tribute to his late mother Princess Diana in his speech at the event

At the meaningful event, Harry paid tribute to his late mother, Princess Diana. He said: "Since Prince Seeiso and I founded the charity 17 years ago. Our work has remained rooted in our mission, and 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.”

“Sentebale has remained a pillar of support in communities across southern Africa for almost two decades, ensuring future generations are well equipped to address the many challenges facing our world. Adaptability and nimbleness have been a defining factor in our work." 

The charity match raised a whopping $1million for the cause.

© ROSLAN RAHMAN

Prince Harry and Nacho tied 7-7 in the Charity match

The Prince sported a purple and white number two shirt as he took to the pitch. The teams put on an excellent show and were neck and neck culminating to a well-earned tie with a score of 7-7. The trophy was shared by both sides, and the Prince helped his fellow teammates up onto the stage as they stepped out for the prize giving. 

Each player then went to receive their own award, and after Nacho picked his up, Harry said: "Well played Nacho, thanks for coming." 

But it wasn't long before the friendly banter between the pair kicked off again as Harry pretended to steal the trophy from his pal. 

See the hilarious moment in the video below.

Prince Harry jokingly steals trophy from friend Nacho after 7-7 draw

Harry's effervescence was present throughout the entirety of the match, at half-time, he and Nacho were seen laughing and chatting together, saving their well-intentioned rivalry strictly on the pitch. 

© HOW HWEE YOUNG/EPA-EFE/Shutterstoc

Harry sported white and purple team colours

Before the match, Nacho opened up about the sporting rivalry he and Harry share. 

He explained: "We have played together for a few years, and today we play against each other which is always fun. We've been joking about it for a few days we already played a game of foosball that he wanted to bring up because he beat me. But ask him what happened the last time we played tennis!

"It will be a fun game, today isn't really about winning, it's about charity, that's what we're here for."

© HOW HWEE YOUNG/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Harry was beaming on the pitch

But, of course, Nacho couldn't help but gush about the Prince and his dedication to Sentebale.  

"I always say that the first thing that [struck] me about Sentebale before I knew anything about it was his commitment to the charity, how much he cares about doing good. I could see that first-hand when I went to Lethoso with him, we have been there two or three times. He's the first person to point out that there's something that can be better. It's very inspiring. 

"He's very committed that's what he is it's in his DNA, and that's why I like him so much, and this trip, being able to spend so much time together has been a wonderful thing."

© Matt Jelonek

Harry and Nacho were in high spirits ahead of the match

"He's not just a great friend he cares he's very aware, he's human, and that's inspiring to see how someone has devoted his life to giving back, it's a very inspiring thing, it's an honour for me to surround myself with someone like that."

© ROSLAN RAHMAN

Britain's Prince Harry hugs Dan Carter former All Blacks rugby player and current ISPS Handa ambassador

Ahead of the match, father-of-two Harry said: "The annual Polo Cup is essential to Sentebale’s vital work ensuring children and young people are healthy, resilient, and  able to thrive. 

"The funds raised this year will support our Clubs and Camps programme, which provides intensive psychosocial support to young people living with HIV. In a time where being HIV positive is no longer a death sentence, we are empowering young people to know their status, stay healthy, and eliminate the stigma so that they can break the cycle. 

Prince Harry is in high spirits as he arrives at Signapore Polo Club with Nacho Figueras

"We are delighted to return to the renowned Singapore Polo Club in August, and are once again enormously grateful for the polo community and our sponsors, in particular ISPS Handa, for their ongoing commitment to Lesotho and Botswana's youth."

© Matt Jelonek

Prince Harry shaking hands with President of Singapore Polo Club Mr Lawrence Khong Kin Hoong

This wasn't the first time the duo had their adoring wives on their mind. 

Earlier this week, Harry and Nacho travelled to Tokyo, Japan where they both appeared on stage at the ISPS Sports Values Summit-Special Edition. Nacho shared a candid shot with Harry on Instagram before they headed to Singapore, showing the pair trying on sunglasses in a gift shop.

© Nacho Figueras

Harry and Nacho pose together in Japan

"Shopping for our wives," he captioned the image. "A big thank you to Tokyo for your generous hospitality and kindness towards us. And of course, for your continued support of @sentebale!"

Meghan has remained in Montecito, California, with Prince Archie, four, and two-year-old Princess Lilibet. The Duchess enjoyed a girls' night at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concert in Los Angeles on Tuesday night.

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