Prince Shivraj Singh of Jodhpur: From Polo Fields to Palace Grandeur — The Journey of Rajasthan's Modern Royal

In the blazing heat of Jodhpur, the golden sandstone walls of Umaid Bhawan Palace shimmer with timeless majesty. Standing atop the rocky Chittar hills, this architectural marvel isn’t just one of India’s most magnificent royal residences — it’s also home to Prince Shivraj Singh, a modern royal whose life embodies both heritage and resilience.

The Royal Heir of Jodhpur

Born on September 30, 1975, Prince Shivraj Singh is the only son of Maharaja Gaj Singh II and Maharani Hemlata Raje. He belongs to the illustrious Rathore dynasty of Marwar, known for its valor and legacy. His father, Maharaja Gaj Singh — affectionately called “Bapji” — ascended the throne at the tender age of four and was later educated at Eton and Oxford before returning to Jodhpur in 1970 to uphold the family’s royal traditions.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Shivraj studied at Mayo College in Ajmer, Eton in England, and Oxford Brookes University, where he earned a degree in Business Administration. His professional journey took him across Geneva, London, and Hong Kong, working with prestigious firms such as Schroders Bank and Jardine Matheson. Eventually, he returned to Jodhpur to oversee the transformation of Umaid Bhawan into a luxury heritage hotel in collaboration with the Taj Group — a project that reportedly cost around ₹10 crore.

The Prince Who Lived for Polo

Polo wasn’t just a sport for Shivraj Singh — it was his calling. Representing India on international grounds, he led his team, the Jodhpur Eagles, to victories across England, Brazil, South Africa, and Switzerland. His skill and charisma made him one of India’s finest polo players.

But on February 18, 2005, fate struck a cruel blow. During a match at Jaipur’s Rambagh Polo Ground, Shivraj fell from his horse, sustaining a severe brain hemorrhage. He slipped into a coma that lasted nearly two months. His recovery was long and arduous, marked by challenges in speech and movement. Yet, his resilience stood as tall as the walls of Umaid Bhawan itself.

A Royal Wedding and New Beginnings

Five years later, on March 10, 2010, he got engaged to Gayatri Kumari Pal of Ascot. Their wedding on November 18, 2010, at Jaipur’s Rambagh Palace, was a spectacle of tradition and grandeur — attended by royal families, politicians, industrialists, and Bollywood stars. It marked not just a personal milestone, but the triumph of spirit over adversity.

Umaid Bhawan: The Palace of Dreams

Today, Umaid Bhawan Palace isn’t merely a royal residence — it’s an icon of Indian luxury and heritage. From hosting the lavish wedding of Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas to the grand nuptials of Elizabeth Hurley and Arun Nayar, the palace has become a global symbol of opulence and timeless elegance.

Prince Shivraj Singh’s journey — from the polo fields of glory to the corridors of Umaid Bhawan — is not just a tale of royalty, but of determination, grace, and revival.