Prince William has paid tribute to his beloved former polo teacher at her funeral, following her death at the age of 77.

Claire Tomlinson was the highest-rated female polo player and the person who coached the Duke of Cambridge and his brother Prince Harry during their childhood.

Photographs from her funeral on Monday morning show the royal joining more than 200 friends and family members who had gathered in St Mary’s Church in Tetbury, Gloucestershie, to pay their respects.

Wearing a black suit and tie topped with a long coat, the prince was accompanied by a royal protection officer.

His wife Kate Middleton and other members of the Royal Family did not attend the service.

After a long battle with dementia, Ms Tomlinson died peacefully at her home on January 12, with her three children, Emma, Mark and Luke by her side.

She is considered one of the most influential figures in the modern history of polo, also known to some as the ‘sport of kings’, after being the first woman to compete against men on equal terms.

While studying at Oxford University, she became the first female captain of the polo club.

Ms Tomlinson was considered to be one of polo’s few true masters of the number one position and was the first woman in the world to rise to five goals.

In later life, she remained so successful that Prince Charles asked her to give lessons to his sons Prince William and Prince Harry.

Many of the mourners at the service were players she had taught as children at the family’s Beaufort Polo Club in the Cotswolds.

A statement from the Hurlingham Polo Club, published on January 13, read: ‘The HPA is very sad to learn of the death of Claire Tomlinson at the age of 77.

‘Claire died peacefully at home with her children by her side.

“Claire was the first woman player to reach five-goals and was a trailblazer for women players around the world.

‘She was an innovative and inspiring coach to many generations of players, including coaching England teams at every level, as well as a polo pony breeder and trainer of immense renown.

‘She will be sorely missed by all who knew her, but her legacy will live on through her children and grandchildren at the Beaufort Polo Club. Our thoughts are with the family.’

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