Britain’s Prince William’s former polo teacher has died.
Carlos Gracida – who taught both the Duke of Cambridge and his brother Prince Harry how to play the sport – passed away on Tuesday night (25.02.14) following an accident in Florida.
The incident took place at the Everglades Polo Club in Wellington in Palm Beach County, when another player accidentally swung his mallet at Carlos’ horse causing the animal to kick out in shock and fall on his owner, who had fallen to the ground.
The award-winning polo player suffered bleeding and swelling on the brain and never regained consciousness.
Carlos was often described as Queen Elizabeth’s favourite player and was a regular instructor for celebrities and royalty having taught Prince Charles and his sons, William and Harry, as well as Greece’s King Constantine II and ‘Rocky’ actor Sylvester Stallone.
Speaking about teaching the princes, he said previously: "My experience with the Royal Family was really something very special because they are true princes."
His sons Carlos Jr and Mariano and his brother Memo, all professional polo players themselves, were at his hospital bedside when he passed away.
Prince William’s former Polo coach has passed away
