Accomplished horsewoman: Katie Price at a polo match last month

She may be working hard to shed her tacky glamour-model image and gain respectability. But Jordan, it seems, is still not good enough for the exclusive world of polo.

The reality TV star has been banned from the most prestigious event in the polo calendar because, insiders say, she is simply ‘too chavvy’.

Jordan – now a bestselling author, albeit one who doesn’t actually write her own books – is said to be ‘incredibly upset’ after she was told she would not be welcome at today’s exclusive Cartier International Polo contest in Windsor.

The snub comes despite her self-made wealth and her ardent love of horses. She has always been a keen rider and learned to play polo earlier this year.

Katie Price, as she now prefers to be known, believes she is the victim of a personal vendetta after being denied access to the event at the Guards Polo Club, where The Prince of Wales Team will play Hurlingham for The Golden Jubilee Trophy and England will take on Australia for the Coronation Cup, presented by Prince Charles.

Ms Price originally asked to join the 600 VIP guests in the Cartier marquee, where chef Anton Mossimann will prepare a three-course lunch and high tea after a champagne reception.

Previous guests there have included Sienna Miller, Pierce Brosnan and Prince Harry and his girlfriend Chelsy Davy.

But after making some enquiries, Ms Price’s office was told that the event was by invitation only and there were no available places.

The 30-year-old then instructed an agent to buy a £6,000 table for ten at the China White marquee, another hospitality tent in Windsor Great Park. The West End nightclub hosts a lunch and tea for 1,700, this year including actresses Kelly Brook and Jaime Winstone and racing driver Jenson Button.

However, Ms Price was last week told that she was not welcome at the China White tent either – even though it has previously played host to less prestigious celebrities, such as former EastEnders actor Dean Gaffney.

Chukka'ed out: Katie Price is furious to be banned from the Cartier event

Last night the model’s agent Claire Powell said: ‘It’s true, Cartier didn’t want Katie there. We cannot understand it because Katie has worked with Cartier before. She’s been in the presence of Royalty before; she’s met the Queen and appeared at the Royal Variety Performance. It’s a big shock and Katie is incredibly upset.

‘It wasn’t about her wanting to mingle with the rich and famous, it’s because she’s a fan of the sport.

‘We can only assume that someone has got it in for Katie. She thinks it’s really sad. She’s worked hard to transform her image.’

New image: Katie Price and Peter Andre in London this month

Although China White was once a regular haunt for footballers and reality TV stars, it is now trying to attract a more exclusive clientele.

Chavtastic: Jordan on her ITV2 show with husband Peter Andre

A source said: ‘Jordan has been told she is not welcome. The polo is very prestigious and there are certain names they want there and others they definitely don’t.

'She might have reinvented herself but Jordan is still too chavvy as far as Cartier is concerned.’

A second source said: ‘It’s the most prestigious sporting event in the British calendar and it attracts the biggest names in town.

'Having Jordan there just wouldn’t be in keeping with Cartier’s image.

‘If she turns up she will not be allowed access to the tent. Tickets can’t be bought. You have to be an invited friend of Cartier.’

In a bid to shed her tacky image, Jordan, who is worth an estimated £50million, reduced her famous bust from a 32FF to a 32D, dyed her hair dark and has shunned the party circuit in favour of nights at home with her three children.

She is now one of the country’s leading novelists but last week admitted what most people long suspected – that she doesn’t write the books herself but merely comes up with the plots.

Both Cartier and China White declined to comment last night.

'I'm no chav': Katie Price launches her new book Angel Uncovered in London this month