Meghan Markle congratulates her husband Prince Harry with a kiss in Santa Barbara

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Meghan Markle had a My Fair Lady moment as she joined Prince Harry at a polo tournament yesterday. 

The Duchess of Sussex, 40, stepped out in a black wide brim hat, black and white polka dot blouse and £670 high-rise pleated shorts as she cheered on her husband at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club.

Harry, 37, recently joined polo team Los Padres, having played the sport for most of his life alongside his brother William, 39. The club is run by his old friend Nacho Figueres, 45, an Argentine sports star dubbed the ‘David Beckham of polo’.

The team took home the Lisle Nixon Memorial trophy at yesterday’s event, which was open to the public and attracted stars including Rebel Wilson and Meghan’s actress BFF Abigail Spencer.  

Meghan was on hand to present the prize and pecked each team member on the cheek – before planting a kiss on her husband’s mouth. 

Realising some of her lipstick had rubbed off, she took her finger and gave Harry’s lips a wipe in an intimate moment watched by the crowd of spectators. 

The affectionate display was a world away from the tense and distant peck Charles and Diana shared following his polo victory in 1985, just four years after their wedding.

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Meghan Markle congratulates her husband Prince Harry with a kiss in Santa Barbara

Meghan Markle channelled Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady as she presented Prince Harry with a cup at a polo tournament yesterday

The Duchess of Sussex gave her husband a kiss on the cheek after they won the Lisle Nixon Memorial Cup at the event

The Duchess of Sussex gave her husband a kiss on the cheek after they won the Lisle Nixon Memorial Cup at the event

Meghan had to wipe her lipstick from her husband's mouth after going in for a kiss on stage in front of spectators

Meghan had to wipe her lipstick from her husband’s mouth after going in for a kiss on stage in front of spectators

Still a spot more! The Duchess of Sussex, who was wearing red lipstick, had to give Prince Harry's face a wipe after the kiss

Still a spot more! The Duchess of Sussex, who was wearing red lipstick, had to give Prince Harry’s face a wipe after the kiss

Realising some of her lipstick had rubbed off, she quickly took her finger and gave Harry's lips a wipe in an intimate moment watched by a crowd of spectators

Realising some of her lipstick had rubbed off, she quickly took her finger and gave Harry’s lips a wipe in an intimate moment watched by a crowd of spectators

The affectionate display was a world away from the tense and distant peck Charles and Diana shared following his polo victory in 1985, just four years after their wedding

The affectionate display was a world away from the tense and distant peck Charles and Diana shared following his polo victory in 1985, just four years after their wedding

The prince recently joined polo team Los Padres, having played the sport for most of his life after learning in the UK with his brother William. The club is run by his friend Nacho, who said he was 'excited' for the duke to join the ranks

The prince recently joined polo team Los Padres, having played the sport for most of his life after learning in the UK with his brother William. The club is run by his friend Nacho, who said he was ‘excited’ for the duke to join the ranks

The Duchess of Sussex placed a hand on her husband's chest as she presented him with his prize following his team's win

The Duchess of Sussex placed a hand on her husband’s chest as she presented him with his prize following his team’s win

The Duchess of Sussex stepped out in a polka dot blouse, black wide brim hat and wide-leg shorts for the star-studded event in Santa Barbara yesterday.

The Duchess of Sussex opted for a retro look, styling her hair in large bouncy curls, as she joined Prince Harry at the polo

Meghan yesterday

The Duchess of Sussex opted for a retro look, styling her hair in large bouncy curls, as she joined Prince Harry at the polo

The Duke of Sussex was in his element playing alongside Figueres, who has spoken out in support of Harry and Meghan and is part of the royal's inner circle

The Duke of Sussex was in his element playing alongside Figueres, who has spoken out in support of Harry and Meghan and is part of the royal’s inner circle

It comes as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex prepare to jet off to London for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend next week. 

They will be joined by their children Archie, three, who was born in the UK, and Lilibet, 11 months, who has never met the British side of her family. 

Harry and Meghan have taken their children to other polo events this season but left them at home yesterday.

Meghan opted for a glamorous, retro look for yesterday’s outing, wearing her brunette locks in big, bouncy curls underneath her wide brim hat. 

Dressing for the California sun, she opted for a breezy black and white polka dot blouse with a pussy bow which she wore loosely tied at her chest. 

The duchess paired the printed piece with £670 wide-leg shorts from go-to brand Khaite, which she finished with a £410 black patent belt by the designer.

Despite needing to walk across grass, Meghan decided to wear her favourite £500 Aquazzura pumps. 

She finished the monochrome ensemble with a slick of red lipstick, a pair of diamond earrings, delicate rings and a gold necklace. 

The Duchess of Sussex held the brim of her hat as she climbed on stage to present the trophy to her husband's team

The Duchess of Sussex held the brim of her hat as she climbed on stage to present the trophy to her husband’s team

Sealed with a kiss! Prince Harry leaned in to give his wife a kiss on the lips following his victory at the Santa Barbara club

Sealed with a kiss! Prince Harry leaned in to give his wife a kiss on the lips following his victory at the Santa Barbara club

Giggling Duchess! Meghan smiled coyly as Harry leaned in to whisper something in her ear in the public display of affection

Giggling Duchess! Meghan smiled coyly as Harry leaned in to whisper something in her ear in the public display of affection 

All okay? Meghan placed a reassuring hand on her husband's chest during a quiet moment on stage in front of onlookers

All okay? Meghan placed a reassuring hand on her husband’s chest during a quiet moment on stage in front of onlookers

Sombre: The Duke of Sussex appeared lost in thought in one moment as he joined his wife on stage at the California event

Sombre: The Duke of Sussex appeared lost in thought in one moment as he joined his wife on stage at the California event 

Hand-in-hand: The couple put on a united front as they left the stage following the prize presentation yesterday afternoon

Hand-in-hand: The couple put on a united front as they left the stage following the prize presentation yesterday afternoon

The Duchess of Sussex beamed as she held victorious Harry's hand following his win at the polo match on Sunday

The Duchess of Sussex beamed as she held victorious Harry’s hand following his win at the polo match on Sunday

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex looked taken with one excited toddler who joined her father at the star-studded event

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex looked taken with one excited toddler who joined her father at the star-studded event

Prince Harry and Nacho Figueras waited on their horses as they played polo at the Santa Barbara club on Sunday

Prince Harry and Nacho Figueras waited on their horses as they played polo at the Santa Barbara club on Sunday

The Duke of Sussex was in his element playing alongside Figueres, who has spoken out in support of Harry and Meghan and is part of the royal’s inner circle. 

The polo player was a guest at the Sussexes’ May 2018 wedding and also serves as an ambassador for Sentebale, an organization founded by the Duke, which is dedicated to helping children and young people who or whose family’s suffer with HIV and AIDs in Lesotho, South Africa. 

Last month, after the pair played in a tournament together at the Santa Barbara club, Nacho paid tribute to their long-lasting friendship on Instagram, writing: ‘Thrilled to be riding alongside my friend, Prince Harry, and the rest of the Los Padres team at the Santa Barbara Polo Club’s Harry East Memorial Tournament.

‘We’ve ridden together many times over the years and now that we’re both parents, it’s extra special to be able to spend this time together.

See also  Platinum Party: Prince George sings along to Sweet Caroline

‘The name Los Padres was inspired by the proximity of the field to the Los Padres National Forest and also by our connection as fathers.’ 

The Duchess of Sussex braved the grass in stiletto heels as she made her way to the stage to present Harry with the trophy

The Duchess of Sussex on Sunday

The Duchess of Sussex braved the grass in stiletto heels as she made her way to the stage to present Harry with the trophy

The event, which was open to the public, was completely sold out. Crowds cheered as Meghan stood on stage to present

The event, which was open to the public, was completely sold out. Crowds cheered as Meghan stood on stage to present

Meghan opted for a monochrome look inspired by My Fair Lady's Eliza Doolitle as she joined Prince Harry at the polo club

Meghan opted for a monochrome look inspired by My Fair Lady’s Eliza Doolitle as she joined Prince Harry at the polo club

The Duke of Sussex turned to watch his wife climb the steps to the stage ahead of presenting the Lisle Nixon Memorial Trophy

The Duke of Sussex turned to watch his wife climb the steps to the stage ahead of presenting the Lisle Nixon Memorial Trophy

The Duchess of Sussex smiled as the polo team lifted the heavy trophy over her head during the presentation ceremony

The Duchess of Sussex smiled as the polo team lifted the heavy trophy over her head during the presentation ceremony

The Duchess of Sussex beamed as she stepped up on stage alongside Prince Harry and members of his Los Padres team

The Duchess of Sussex beamed as she stepped up on stage alongside Prince Harry and members of his Los Padres team 

Prince Harry was joined by his wife Meghan as his team were presented with the trophy at the Santa Barbara Polo & Raquet Club

Prince Harry was joined by his wife Meghan as his team were presented with the trophy at the Santa Barbara Polo & Raquet Club

The Duchess appeared in excellent spirits and giggled as she presented Harry and his team with the trophy after their win

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the polo on Sunday

The Duchess appeared in excellent spirits and giggled as she presented Harry and his team with the trophy after their win

The Duchess of Sussex flashed her engagement ring as she placed a hand on Prince Harry's chest at the polo yesterday

The Duchess of Sussex flashed her engagement ring as she placed a hand on Prince Harry’s chest at the polo yesterday

Earlier this month, Meghan’s journalist pal Omid Scobie revealed that the Duke of Sussex is planning to play the entire 12-game season with his Santa Barbara-based team.

The Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club has attracted beginners and advanced players since being established in 1911.

In the first week of May, the Finding Freedom author said that Harry was going to participate in the Folded Hills Pope Challenge between May 9 and 15, the Lisle Nixon Cup from May 20 to 29, as well as the Cheval Athletics USPA Intra-Circuit, which runs June 3 to 19.

However Harry will have to miss some fixtures during the final tournament because of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, which kick off with Trooping the Colour on Thursday 2 June. 

It is unclear which official events he and Meghan will attend but they will not join the Queen and senior royals including Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch the fly-past. 

A sensational statement issued on behalf of Her Majesty on May 6 said that only royals who are currently carrying out official public duties will appear on the balcony at the event.

This means that Harry and Meghan – as well as Prince Andrew – will not be included.

The Duchess of Sussex squeezed in between Harry and his teammates to present the awards in sunny California yesterday

The Duchess of Sussex squeezed in between Harry and his teammates to present the awards in sunny California yesterday

The Duchess of Sussex waited for other team members to leave the stage before walking away hand-in-hand with Harry

The Duchess of Sussex waited for other team members to leave the stage before walking away hand-in-hand with Harry

Harry and Meghan, who will soon jet off to the UK for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations, held hands as they walked off

Harry and Meghan, who will soon jet off to the UK for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, held hands as they walked off

The couple appeared in excellent spirits as they held hands and made their way off the stage at the Santa Barbara event

The couple appeared in excellent spirits as they held hands and made their way off the stage at the Santa Barbara event

The couple, who share children Archie and Lilibet, cooed over a toddler who had joined her mother at the polo

The couple, who share children Archie and Lilibet, cooed over a toddler who had joined her mother at the polo

Prince Harry's BFF Nacho Figueras, left, was by the Duke's side as they spoke to guests and officials after the event

Prince Harry’s BFF Nacho Figueras, left, was by the Duke’s side as they spoke to guests and officials after the event

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex spent time glad-handing guests after the royal's victory on the polo pitch on Sunday

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex spent time glad-handing guests after the royal’s victory on the polo pitch on Sunday

After leaving the stage, the Duchess of Sussex whipped off her designer sunglasses to mingle with some of the guests

The Duchess of Sussex

After leaving the stage, the Duchess of Sussex whipped off her designer sunglasses to mingle with some of the guests

Here come Harry and Meghan! The Duke and Duchess of Sussex held hands as they made their way through the crowd

Here come Harry and Meghan! The Duke and Duchess of Sussex held hands as they made their way through the crowd

Harry’s latest appearance at the polo comes just days after his and Meghan’s ‘at-home docuseries’ was branded a royal Keeping Up with the Kardashians for Netflix, with sources describing the news of the show as evidence that Netflix has finally secured its ‘pound of flesh’ in return for their $100million Megxit streaming deal.

The Sussexes are said to have welcomed cameras into their $14million Montecito mansion for a reality-type series that could be in the mold of The Osbournes – although it is not yet known if the couple’s two children, three-year-old Archie and 11-month-old Lilibet, will also feature.

‘I think it’s fair to say that Netflix is getting its pound of flesh,’ a Hollywood insider in the know about the project claimed to Page Six.

The at home reality show was pioneered by The Osbournes, which made Ozzy and Sharon the king and queen of reality TV in the noughties. The mantle was then taken on by the Kardashians, who are now in their 20th season and are worth a collective $1.4billion.

The format would likely suit Harry and Meghan, who have demanded control over their media messaging since emigrating in 2020. But they also demanded privacy, so a reality show has raised eyebrows amongst royal experts who have suggested it is a paradox.

The Queen’s aides are said to have already banned Harry and Meghan’s camera crews from her palaces as she marks her extraordinary 70-year reign.

Sources suggest that the Sussexes are angling for the docuseries’ broadcast to be delayed until early next year, around the time Harry is expected to release his tell-all memoirs where he will likely have another say on Megxit as well the Sussexes’ claims that an unnamed royal was racist towards Archie and aides neglected his wife when she was suicidal and pregnant.

‘The timing is still being discussed, things are up in the air,’ a ‘producer in the know’ claimed, adding that the cameras had been rolling at their grand home in Montecito.

The ‘at-home docuseries’ is one of the couple’s main media projects after Netflix, which has seen its share price tumble after subscribers dropped as the pandemic fizzled out, prompting the company to scrap Meghan’s animated show Pearl, which was about a young girl inspired by Meghan who takes on social injustices while highlighting the work of feminist icons. 

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