From the earliest of times, man has been mesmerized by horses. These graceful beasts are revered by all from the common man to the highest royal for their speed, gracefulness, and strength.   Throughout Britain, this admiration plays out in venerated equine sporting events such as the Royal Ascot, Olympia Horse Show and The Grand National. However, the epitome of equestrian tournaments in Britain and the world is the Cartier Queen’s Cup Final. Here you’ll find the most coveted date on the sport and social calendar where Europe’s well-to-do from royals to titans of industry to A-list celebrities relish  the day. Set in the exquisite grounds of the Windsor Great Park, guests enjoy the most luxurious sporting event where sipping champagne and parading in couture outfits are only a few facets of Britain’s poshest social event.

Hosted by the Guards Polo Club, the Cartier Queens Cup is the climax of the polo season in Britain. Over 500 matches are played on the hallowed grounds each season, running from April to September every year, with the biggest names in the sport attending to compete for the chance to win the prestigious cup. The final sees the two best polo teams, with their first-class string of horses, go head to head in a 22-goal polo match, demonstrating the best that British polo has to offer.

The Club is prestigious in itself, with a joining social membership fee of £400, an annual fee of £440 and £22,000 if one wants to become a patron. Guests have the option to ire the Royal Box for a more private experience, mingle with the Club’s members and players over a delicious lunch in the Clubhouse, or enjoy a more bespoke experience in a private field-side marquee.  Of course, the finals of the Cartier Queens Cup are available to non-members who can enjoy a 3-course lunch and afternoon tea as well.  It’s not surprising then, that the Club boasts the highest membership of any polo club in Europe, speaking volumes of its quality and hospitality.

Sponsored by Cartier since 2012, the watchmaker and jeweller have furthered the luxury tone for polo sport and hospitality. With a unique blend of style, elegance and glamour Cartier brings a sophistication that even royalty revels in. The House of Cartier has had a constant commitment to design perfection and a message that resonates throughout their whole brand. Their famed panther has been running through the blood of the company, and its fierce nature and elegance have been carried through into their sponsorship of the Cartier Queens Cup.

Just like any event in the British social calendar, one should expect some couture dresses and high fashion. Though we won’t be looking for the opulent outfits often seen at Royal Ascot, as this event sees a more reserved fashion fit for the humble nature of royalty. With the large royal presence at the final, it’s no surprise to find celebrities present. Actresses like Jenna Coleman and Eleanor Thompson are often spotted at the finals. Indeed, it is easy to see why The Polo Magazine hailed this tournament as the ‘most prestigious polo club in the world’. With upcoming 60th anniversary of the Cartier queens cup since its inception in 1960, some of the biggest names in polo have added their names to the trophy that is presented by the Queen, including ten-time winner Adolfo Cambiaso. Many of the British Royal Family have even competed in the tournament, including Prince Philip and Prince Charles, with the latter winning in 1986 with his team, Les Diables Bleus.

The Cup Final concludes a tournament that sees the best teams in the world go head to head in a fierce battle before royalty. A day for elegance, sporting achievement and a classically British reservation on opulence, the Cartier Queens Cup is certainly the event to put in the calendar. For competitors and spectators alike, it is sure to be nothing short of a sporting sensation.