Intrigue as Prince William and Prince Harry cut ties to polo tycoon For many years, the Chakravarty Cup was a regular polo fixture for the Prince of Wales and his sons. Now, however, they have caused much intrigue by cutting ties to the tournament, which is organised by the businessman Saroj Chakravarty, in mysterious circumstances. A friend of Princes William and Prince Harry tells Mandrake: "They have been happy to take part in the past, but they will not do so this year. They are very unlikely to do so in the future, either. The Chakravarty Cup was named after the Kent-based businessman by Prince Charles when it was established in 1997. Chakravarty has previously boasted about the "exposure" that he could secure for wealthy donors keen to be associated with the Royal family. The Prince or his sons took part every year until 2010, when Prince William and Harry competed while the then Kate Middleton was entertained by Chakravarty. The tournament was usually held in June at the Beaufort Polo Club, near Charles's Gloucestershire residence, Highgrove. This year, however, it will take place in September at Ham Polo Club in London. The only member of a royal family expected is a Saudi princess. An amiable, slightly eccentric, figure, Chakravarty is a patron of the Prince's Trust. Three years ago, he told me that he was holding discussions with Prince Harry about moving the competition to the United States to seek donations from wealthy Americans. "I'm organising a meeting at Clarence House with the Virginia investors,"" he said. Some travel companies are keen for the exposure. These Virginian businesses are capable of raising £150,000 and there are lots of companies in America that are interested in getting involved. It's difficult to get Prince William and Harry to go long distances unless the money raised is big. I have got to break my record of £170,000."" This weekend, he is keen to deny scurrilous suggestions that he promised potential charity donors access to the Princes. "I don't know where you have heard it," he says, insisting that he remains friendly with William and Harry. I have not lost touch with them at all. They are two wonderful Princes. A St James's Palace spokesman says: "We wouldn't comment on the Princes" reasons - either to confirm or deny - why they choose to play in certain charitable polo matches and not others."