Prince William.Photo: Tom Wren/SWNS
Prince Williammade a personal appearance to mourn a trailblazing woman who played a large part in his childhood and love of sports.
Tomlinson, a former England national team captain and coach, died at age 77 on Jan. 13 after a battle with dementia. She was the first woman to compete against top tier male athletes after fighting to participate in tournaments, and she still holds the women’s high-goal handicap record.
After coaching the young princes, Tomlinson was spotted throughout the years attending some of their polo matches, watching from the sidelines alongsidePrince CharlesandKate Middleton.
Prince William.Tom Wren/SWNS
BothPrince WilliamandPrince Harry, 37, were also close to her sons, Luke and Mark. In addition to playing in polo games together through the years, both sons were invited to the royal weddings of William in 2011 and Harry in 2018.
Claire Tomlinson and Prince William.Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
A palace source told PEOPLE in 2019 that with both princes putting fatherhood front and center, they would beparticipating in fewer polo games.
Claire Tomlinson, Prince Charles and Prince Harry.Indigo/Getty Images
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Kate Middleton and Claire Tomlinson.Indigo/Getty Images
“They will both play polo in support of their charities, but work and family responsibilities mean that they can’t commit to as many polo matches as they used to,” the source said.
Last August,Prince Harryheaded to Aspen tocompete in the Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cupto raise funds for his Sentebale charity, whilePrince Williamgot back in the saddle in Windsorlast summer to support a number of charitable organizations.
source: people.com
