At just 25 years old, Harry Charles has transitioned from the youngest contender in the showjumping circuit to a celebrated gold medalist, thanks to his stunning victory in the team jumping event at the 2024 Paris Olympics held at the magnificent Palace de Versailles. But his remarkable achievement in the ring was only part of the story; the real buzz was generated by the public display of affection between the British equestrian and billionaire heiress Eve Jobs. As the daughter of the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, Eve effortlessly commanded attention, as the ‘it-girl’ cheered for her fiance from the stands.
Their tale intriguingly mirrors that of another high-profile couple, Jennifer Gates and Nayel Nasser, the daughter of Bill Gates and an accomplished equestrian herself. While Jennifer and Nayel have been in the spotlight, this fresh showjumping duo is stealing the limelight. Today, we take a deep dive into the life of Harry Charles, the man of the moment.
When Harry met Eve, the horses of their hearts neighed-
Though they became Instagram official almost immediately after the celebrated Olympic victory, it seems that Harry Charles and Eve Jobs have been together for quite some time. Some sources even claim the couple is engaged. Insiders speaking to The Sun revealed, “They’re getting married and have announced their engagement to friends and family. There was a big celebration party.” Eve, a Stanford graduate who studied science, technology, and society, has seamlessly transitioned from the reins to the runway. Making her modeling debut in 2021, she graced the Paris Fashion Show catwalk for Coperni alongside luminaries like Gigi Hadid.
A golf-playing rebel-
Not many know that Harry Charles abandoned a promising golf career to follow in his father’s footsteps. His father, Peter, had hoped he would become a golfer and even gifted him a set of clubs as a child. “I was keen on golf, but I fell in love with this sport. It was probably that moment I realized my dad wanted me to be a golfer. I played a lot of golf while riding a few ponies, and I soon realized I was much better at riding than swinging a golf club. That was definitely the most pivotal moment,” reported The Independent.
The apple doesnt fall far from the tree-
How could he not aspire to follow in his father Peter’s footsteps after witnessing firsthand, at just 13 years old, his dad win team show jumping gold at London 2012? The Britisher said, according to The Independent, “My dad Peter has been a great help in my career, and after injuring my wrist, he helped keep Romeo training. He has been a great influence in my life and was involved this week, helping behind the scenes.” They are the first father-son combination to win Olympic gold for Team GB since 1948, with rowers Dickie and Charles Burnell (1908) being the last to do it. However, Harry went one step further and won it with his dad’s teammates, Maher, Brash, and Nick Skelton.
Harry said, “I was at Greenwich Park; I was 13 when I watched these two boys. It’s pretty cool. They are both my heroes, guys I’ve looked up to since I started riding. To be on the podium with them, my inner, younger self is freaking out a little bit.” Life did come around a full circle rather quickly as the twenty-something managed to emulate his father’s victory, and what is more, alongside Scott Brash and Ben Maher who were also part of the team in London.
Equestrians everywhere-
They are as commonly found in the Charles household as gadgets are these days. From the men to the women, everyone shares a deep-rooted love for the fleet-footed equine. While the men are accomplished gold medalists, the women are also well-versed in horseback riding. Their mother, former Miss Tara McDowell from Ballymena, was herself a showjumper and has been a rock for her family in their careers. According to Team GB, Harry’s sisters, Scarlett and Sienna, are top-level show jumpers. In fact, Scarlett, who currently rides in Europe with Heathcroft Farm, even paints horses with remarkable skill. This fondness could be credited to their childhood.
The family was raised at Heathcroft Farm, in Alton, Hampshire, and was always surrounded by horses. From the moment they woke up, there was a horse ready outside the back door! It is hardly surprising that Charles made his five-star debut at Aachen as a teenager and was one of the youngest riders in the field when he made his Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020. If Harry and Eve tie the knot, this family of horse lovers will have one more talented rider on the team.
A passionate animal lover –
He prioritized his horse’s health over competing in the individual final at the Paris Olympics. With his horse, Romeo, not performing at his usual 110%, Harry chose not to push the envelope and decided to stay put. In an Instagram post, he wrote, “Maybe I’m a little disappointed, but honestly, not really! He has given me so much and taken me beyond my dreams. We’re leaving Paris with a gold medal, and more importantly, a happy Romeo, so that’s way more than enough for me!”
He went from a rising star to equestrian great at Paris 2024 Olympics-
The promising young talent first made headlines during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where he played a significant role in securing a gold medal for the Great Britain show jumping team.
But it was at the 2024 Paris Olympics that Harry cemented his position as a show jumping great by replicating his father’s golden exploits at Paris 2024. Moreover, the skilled athlete accomplished this task with a strapped arm after suffering a fracture four weeks prior to the Olympics.
Harry Charles becomes the face of diverse brand partnerships-
With medals and wins come endorsements and ambassadorships. Charles experienced the sweet taste of success in 2019 when he became the youngest Rolex Testimonee. “When I attended my very first Rolex lunch with all the fellow highly successful Testimonees, 19-year-old me felt a little out of place, but the experience really motivated me to work my way up, and now I feel like I’m very much part of the Rolex family,” Charles admitted, according to SCMP. His equestrian appeal caught the attention of Boss, who appointed him as their equestrian ambassador. Charles also joined the Lugano Diamonds family as an ambassador while partnering with the equestrian boots brand Vogel.
