Prince William prepares to show off his polo skills as he arrives for match without Kate

Prince William is preparing to show off his polo skills at the annual charity match in Windsor. The Prince of Wales will be back in the saddle for the annual Outsourcing Inc. Royal Charity Polo Cup match, which raises millions for charity.

But he was not joined by the Princess of Wales, who usually cheers him on from the sidelines, as she missed the event for the second year in a row. Kate took a starring role in the French State Visit on Tuesday, including the late-night banquet, but is continuing to seek the right balance as she fully returns to public engagements after her cancer diagnosis last year.

The Princess Royal's son Peter Phillips and his girlfriend Harriet Sperling were among the spectators.

The match marks the 14th time the heir to the throne has participated in the Out-Sourcing Inc showpiece, with the total amount raised over the years set to now exceed £14million.

Funds raised by the game will be distributed across 10 charities and causes supported by the Prince and Princess of Wales, including Child Bereavement UK, British Red Cross and NHS Charities Together.