Queen’s grandson: My sorrow at lost chance on Olympics showjumping legacy

 
Mandatory Credit: Photo by David Hartley / Rex Features (1215304n) Peter Phillips and his wife Autumn who is pregnant. Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe, Gloucestershire, Britain - 07 Aug 2010 p25
rex
21 March 2013

Peter Phillips today spoke of a “lost opportunity” for building an Olympics legacy after he was prevented from holding an international showjumping tournament at Kensington Palace.

But the Queen’s eldest grandchild vowed to stage the event in Britain this year — and said two other venues in London were now being considered.

He talked to the Standard after Kensington and Chelsea council officials refused planning permission for his Global Champions Tour, which would have seen the world’s top 30 riders compete in Kensington Gardens for four days in June.

Mr Phillips, 35, said: “Part of the tour ethos is bringing showjumping and equestrianism to a new audience and engaging and educating people in what is involved. From that perspective it’s a lost opportunity for the residents and council here. We are still determined to host the event in 2013 — and ideally we will hold it in London.”

Council planners felt that the tournament, which would have seen a 3,000-seat arena built in front of the palace’s “Diana gates”, would have taken an area of precious parkland out of public use for up to three months.

The application received 300 objections and officials did not refer the matter to councillors but unusually took the decision themselves in secret.

Mr Phillips said there was no point appealing and forcing a public inquiry, as that would take four months. He is in talks over several private venues and hopes to announce one in a week.

It is thought the council was swayed by the six-month loss of the gardens to a production of The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe last year.

“I was very disappointed,” said Mr Phillips. “It’s a missed chance to bring a legacy event back into London.”

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