At the 2020 Hampton's Polo Championship, Prince Harry's unexpected presence caused significant annoyance among attendees, leading Christy Brinkley to call security to have him removed.
The event, initially intended as a glamorous day of friendly competition among high society members and a fundraiser for local charities, descended into chaos due to his arrival. The event began unremarkably at the opulent Meadow Club in Southampton, New York, attracting its usual crowd of A-list celebrities, affluent old-money individuals, and prosperous socialites. Guests enjoyed champagne and canapés while eagerly awaiting the match.
Among them was iconic supermodel Christy Brinkley, a devout supporter of this Hampton society tradition for decades. Brinkley, now 70, had attended the Hampton's Polo Championship each year to reconnect with friends, support local charities, and experience the thrill of polo matches firsthand. However, her most recent visit took an unexpected turn.
Just moments before one match began, a commotion erupted near the VIP seating area. Guests craned their necks in curiosity, quickly turning to audible gasps of surprise and annoyance as Prince Harry strode confidently onto the field, commanding attention from everyone present. "I was utterly flabbergasted," Brinkley reported to the press. "To think that he would show up here—this is our function for our people. We have no use for any intruding royalty who might disrupt the entire affair."
Prince Harry's mere presence seemed to irritate many attendees. The Hamptons are known for their exclusive, closely-knit social groups, and the locals are famously cautious of newcomers, especially those with a prestigious background like the Duke of Sussex. An anonymous attendee noted, "Everyone was exchanging perplexed looks as if questioning his presence. He doesn't hold any significant position here nor does he excel in polo; he's simply a name celebrated worldwide trying to infiltrate our community."
Determined to join Hampton society's elite members in the VIP tent, Harry headed toward the seating area. Brinkley had reached her limit. She boldly approached the prince in front of everyone, recounting to the press that she informed Harry, "This is our event. Your presence was not requested nor desired." She then directed him to leave immediately, warning of the consequences if he did not comply, including security escorting him out.
Initially, Harry attempted to justify his presence, surprised by Brinkley's straightforward and resolute demeanor. "Like everyone else present here, I am only here to relish in a pleasant day out," he defended himself. Despite his attempts, Brinkley firmly refused, expressing disdain towards his uninvited presence and declaring that the event was private, not a public park for anyone to attend as they pleased.
Soon after the altercation began, additional attendees voiced their discontent with Harry's unsolicited arrival. From a distance, a female onlooker shouted, "Harry, depart from this place at once. Your presence is not wanted." As the situation escalated, the event organizers intervened, calling for security to remove the prince from the area. Realizing his efforts were futile, Harry complied reluctantly, exiting the polo grounds and bringing a sense of relief to an increasingly restless audience.
