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Prince Harry leads team to victory in Abu Dhabi charity polo match

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Excitement reached fever pitch on Thursday when Prince Harry arrived in Abu Dhabi. The British royal was taking part in a polo match for his charity Sentebale, and managed to lead his team to victory. Considered one of the most eligible bachelors in the world, Harry, 30, caused a frenzy among locals and royal watchers when he was spotted arriving at the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club. The Prince dressed casually in white trousers and a navy shirt, leaving his top button undone. Harry was joined at the Sentebale Polo Cup by the foundation's chairman Philip Green.

prince harry4 © Photo: Getty Images

Prince Harry set up charity Sentebale after travelling to Lesotho on his Gap Year

As the floodlights were switched on for the evening game, Harry changed into his polo gear and took to the pitch as captain of the Sentebale Huntsman team. He battled against professional polo players including Argentina's Nacho Figueras, who led the opposing St. Regis team and is an ambassador for Harry's charity. As the match drew to an end, spectators and celebrities watching from the sidelines, including newly engaged Geri Halliwell and her fiancé Christian Horner, cheered the teams on in their bid to win the Sentebale Polo Cup trophy.

Despite facing the pros, Harry's team swept to victory scoring five goals against St Regis' four, beating Nacho for the second year in a row. The Prince was also named most valuable player of the match.

harry captain © Photo: Getty Images

Prince Harry captained the Sentebale Huntsman team

Following the match, guests were treated to a dinner and listened to speeches by Harry and Prince Seeiso, who also co-founded the charity back in 2006. "Some people don't think it's cool to help others," Harry told his audience. "Personally I think it's the coolest thing in the world."The polo tournament has been held for the past five years, with funds from the evening donated to Sentebale. The charity helps vulnerable children in Lesotho who have been affected by extreme poverty and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Harry came up with the idea of creating Sentebale – which means "Forget Me Not" in Sesotho – after visiting the African country during his Gap Year.  

prince harry5 © Photo: Getty Images

Prince Harry took part in the annual Sentebale Polo Cup for the fifth year running

Speaking about the Sentebale Polo Cup, the charity's chief executive Cathy Ferrier said: "This event is extremely important to the charity, and allows us to continue to help and support some of the most vulnerable children in the world, through our work in Lesotho. We are very grateful for the generous support of all our sponsors who make this event possible." Sentebale is currently building the Mamohato Children's Centre in Lesotho, a purpose-built residential centre, due to be complete next year. Harry had been touring Oman on an official visit before he made the stop in Abu Dhabi, on his way back home to London.

nacho figueras © Photo: Getty Images

Prince Harry beat Nacho Figueras for the second year in a row

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