podcast

RSVIP: Veuve Clicquot 2010 Polo Classic, Prince Harry Versus Nacho Figueras

A gleaming white marquee tent with multiple peaks, white couches, Veuve Clicquot-orange umbrellas, and ice buckets faced the sweltering polo field on New York's Governor's Island on Sunday, June 27, 2010. Here, Britain's Prince Harry and his Black Rock team would challenge the international polo star Nacho Figueras and his elegantly appointed, Ralph Lauren-sponsored team, Black Watch, for the third year running.

"I flew in from London last night," mentioned Houston social Becca Cason Thrash. "I've seen Prince Harry play at Highgrove, his father's summer home. He's adorable . . . and shockingly tall."

"Harry versus Nacho, should be VERY interesting," concurred Ivanka Trump, who said that she had previously viewed polo matches in England, Palm Beach, and Greenwich, Connecticut. But the heiress and jewelry designer refused to wager for or against the Prince, whose team won in 2009. "You can't bet against a prince," she said, laughing. "It just wouldn't be appropriate."

Actress Susan Sarandon limped into the match, one foot in a black boot cast. "I've had to do horseback riding in a number of movies," she quipped. "If you have a smart horse, you can't ride badly."

And Mary J. Blige said it was her virgin match. "Ever, ever," she insisted. "And, yes, I want to meet Harry."

In the Veuve Clicquot-sponsored lunch tent, Prince Harry spoke of the Sentebale charity that he formed with Prince Seesio of Lesotho for orphans and at-risk children in that country. A nearby Figueras appeared crisp in a pinstriped blazer, a white shirt with three buttons opened, silver necklaces, white jeans, and suede slippers.

Tags: gayle king, Nacho Figueras, podcast, prince harry, val kilmer, Veuve Clicquot, veuve clicquot polo classic