The new Harry and Meghan Netflix series that ‘disappointed’ streaming execs finally hits screens. So what did executive producer Sussexes actually do?
The trailer for Prince Harry‘s new Netflix show POLO has been released, prompting mixed reactions, with some excited about the reality series and others condemning it for being elitist and promoting animal cruelty.
Shared yesterday, the trailer for the production, which will feature five episodes, shows the ‘fierce rivalries’ and the ‘intense training’ those competing in the US Open Polo Championship go through.
While the clip did not feature either Prince Harry, 40, or his wife Meghan Markle, 43, it reveals that they are ‘executive producers’ on the production – however, without them appearing onscreen, it’s unclear exactly what their involvement is.
It has been noted that the couple’s titles were used in the trailer, which boasted a written credit saying: ‘Executive produced by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.’
The Mail revealed earlier this year that Netflix bosses were disappointed that the series hardly features the Duke at all, instead focusing on his friend Nacho Figueras, 47, a little-known Argentinian player.
The trailer for POLO (pictured) does not feature Prince Harry or Meghan Markle, prompting some to question the extent of their involvement
A source told the Mail: ‘What Netflix have received in return [for their deal with the Sussexes] doesn’t look great. People want personal stuff.
‘Apart from their documentary series, which had the drama of them quitting the Royal Family, everything else they’ve produced has been underwhelming.
‘Any reasonable person tuning into a show about polo made by Prince Harry would expect Harry to take a starring role.
‘That he’s not is hugely disappointing for Netflix. Let’s face it, polo isn’t exactly a mainstream sport so the attraction would have been watching Harry. Without him, it’s marginal at best.
‘The Netflix deal expires next year, so the Sussexes need a big hit. This sounds like a big nothing burger.’
While the programme’s trailer (pictured) suggests the show will be packed with drama and glamour, it appears to be lacking in royal onscreen presence
POLO seems like it will showcase the glamorous side to game, which is often dubbed the Sport of Kings (trailer pictured)
Royal expert, commentator, journalist and YouTube content creator Kinsey Schofield made a video about the trailer release which was shared on the channel she shares with Andrew Gold, called Andrew Gold & Kinsey Schofield LIVE. She also creates content via her solo YouTube channel Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered.
In the video, Kinsey revealed that ‘some of us’ were surprised to see Meghan Markle’s name in the credits, as it had been generally believed that the show was Prince Harry’s solo project.
The broadcaster described it as ‘weird’ that Prince Harry did not appear to be featured in the show, noting that those who are fans of the former senior royal would have tuned in ‘because they love Prince Harry, so they tolerate polo’, and if he was in the production, ‘they [could] get some Prince Harry, [but] he’s completely [missing in action’.
She suggested that as he didn’t appear in the clip, he could have introduced it, saying something like: ‘I’m so excited to share with you my brand new trailer for my show, my docuseries POLO, coming out December 10. I’m really proud of this. I hope you like getting to know my friends better.’
Probing further into Harry’s lack of appearance in front of the camera, Kinsey said that Prince Harry’s lack of onscreen time could prompt people to ask questions about whether he likes the show, and is proud of it, as well as asking ‘how involved was he in this?’.
She added that the reality route the production appears to have taken may be of little interest to many, as the people featured are largely unknown, and so many viewers will not care about their escapades.
The trailer for POLO, which was shared via YouTube on Thursday, features Nacho Figueras (pictured), a long-time friend of Prince Harry’s and a frequent polo player alongside the royal
Worse, according to brand expert Hayley Knight, is that this style of show, which has been described as ‘reality TV gold’ by some social media users, could affect the image the Sussexes are trying to portray.
She told FEMAIL: ‘Prince Harry’s new documentary series about polo being dubbed as “reality TV gold” will be a blow for the Sussexes. Whilst the sport’s exclusivity and prestige align with their carefully curated brand, the series being reviewed in this way undermines their broader efforts to be taken more seriously.’
Hayley added: ‘They have worked hard to carve out a narrative around philanthropy, mental health and authentic storytelling, and this review goes against all of this. Polo is very close to Harry’s heart, and I can imagine they wanted to create something rooted in their personal value and heritage.
‘The series is now at risk of shifting these values, and mocking the very sport they hold dear. This is obviously a passion project for Harry, but it raises questions whether the documentary has been made in a way that portrays this, and the brand he and Meghan are trying to build.’
This, she explained is because reality TV branding is ‘often synonymous with superficial drama and scripted reality shows’, which ‘could now overshadow the more meaningful elements of the series’.
Hayley added: ‘If Harry’s aim of this documentary is to merge royal heritage with his more modern, independent role, a project like this could be damaging, steering more towards entertainment rather than purposeful content.’
According to some reports, behind the scenes the programme has been referred to as The Nacho Show, due to the player taking such a starring role. In the trailer, he is seen saying: ‘Polo is not just a sport, polo is a lifestyle. We eat, we breathe, we sleep polo.’
The trailer, released on Thursday, also featured heated moments between family members, some very glamorous WAGs and interviews with the cast members.
According to the trailer, the ‘big story’ of the competition on which the series centres is that a father and son will play against each other. The son appears on screen and says: ‘I want to win against my dad so I can say I beat the greatest in the sport .’ Meanwhile, the father admits: ‘I’m very proud of my son but I try to beat him.’
Many have blasted the show’s concept, with some branding the sport ‘elitist’ and others accusing Netflix of promoting animal cruelty, with the treatment of polo ponies considered a controversial topic among many people.
A number of X users have described the show as reality TV – with many saying they are looking forward to watching it
However, many others who are looking forward to the series, have highlighted the expected drama, with one Twitter user writing: ‘Prince Harry and Meghan Markle aside, that Polo show looks like it’s reality tv gold. Wdym that man flew out to Argentina twice a week with a pregnant wife at home?! Not to mention the father son competition and the glitz & glam of it all.. sign me up.’
Another commented on how they were excited about the ‘drama and glamour’ of the show, saying: ‘I don’t think y’all are ready for just how good Prince Harry’s new Polo Netflix series is going to be. The drama, the action, the glamour. I will be seated.’
Revealing that the drama was the main draw for them, another wrote: ‘Honestly? It looks interesting. If Harry and Meghan hadn’t done all the shenanigans and just made interesting documentaries like this one (assuming it is based on the preview) then they might have been ok. Yeah polo is elitist but we still love a good story with drama and pretty people.’
A further X user criticised how the programme was overly sexualised, saying: ‘And, of course, they would take @Sentebale’s polo tournament and turn it into Sex in the City of Polo with their partners @netflix since they make everything about sex that would rival @andy’s housewives. Thank goodness the late Queen told them NO!’
Speaking to People about the programme, Prince Harry said: ‘This series offers audiences an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes look into the passion and determination driving some of the world’s elite polo players, revealing the grit behind the glamor.
‘We’re proud to showcase the true depth and spirit of the sport – and the intensity of its high-stakes moments.’
The trailer, which lasts two-and-a-half minutes, shows the professional and personal lives of the show’s featured athletes, as polo is described as ‘a sexy sport, too — dirty, sweaty boys riding.’
The five-part series will culminate at the US Open in Wellington, Florida, which takes place annually in the spring.
During the clip, a partner of one of the polo players admits that it can ‘take a toll on the family’, especially since the player in question travels back and forth to Argentina twice a week.
Towards the end of the trailer, as the words ‘For legacy. For courage. For glory’ appear on the screen, one of the players reflects on the risks of the sport.
He says: ‘A whole bunch of dangerous things that can happen. It’s not a motorised vehicle, it’s not a car, it’s a 1,200 pound animal.’ Another insists he will do whatever it takes to win.
Filmed primarily in Florida, POLO will be released globally on December 10.
Netflix said of the series: ‘Through fierce rivalries and intense training, viewers will get an unprecedented glimpse into the dedication and skill required to compete at the sport’s highest level.
Prince Harry plays polo during the Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup on August 12, 2023. However, it does not appear he will be showing off his skills in the upcoming POLO series
‘From a young player pushed to his limits by his demanding father, to a former golfer who’s made significant sacrifices for the love of the sport, to the father-son duo widely regarded as the greatest players of all time — they all face intense personal and professional challenges as they vie for the coveted title.’
Polo is known as ‘the sport of kings,’ and the Duke has played for decades.
Queen Elizabeth II would often cheer Prince Philip on, as would Princess Diana when Charles, then Prince of Wales, played.
Biographer Andrew Morton described it as ‘a royal rite of passage’ for the female members of the Royal Family in his book Meghan: A Hollywood Princess.
The Duchess of Sussex’s first public appearance with Prince Harry was at a polo match, while Kate greeted Prince William after a match with a kiss.
King George VI introduced the Royal Family to polo and enjoyed both watching and playing the game. William and Harry have played since they were teenagers.
However, the sport has been blasted by many, due to the treatment of the animals used in the activity.
Writing in September, TV host Kevin O’Sullivan said: ‘The truth about Prince Harry’s beloved sport polo… it’s cruel. With Harry set to glorify the horse-riding game in his new Netflix TV series, is it time to prioritise the welfare of the poor ponies over the enjoyment of the big blokes on their backs?’
Another X user wrote: ‘I boycott anything and everything connected to the Markle duo. In this case I would not watch this junk even if they were not involved. Polo is cruel and dangerous for horses. I oppose it completely. Ban it!’
Despite some looking forward to the reality show, many have criticised it for featuring polo – which many have described as cruel
In a similar vein, a further commentator added: ‘Polo is actually a very cruel sport. Those horses get mistreated terribly. I can’t believe NF thought this was a good idea. It’s going to bomb so hard and what little reputation NF has left is gone now, never to return.’
Going further, another wrote: ‘#PrinceHarry is the LAST person who should be making money from a polo show. His shocking cruel treatment of his own horses is due to his deplorable horsemanship. @netflix should have done some homework on #HorseAbuserHarry.’
Another added: ‘Netflix quit trying to make “Fetch” I mean “Harry & Meghan”, I mean “Polo” happen. It’s not going to happen. Elitist sport composed of entitled socialites that are cruel to horses.’
Despite concerns around the treatment of polo ponies, the Hurlingham Polo Association (HAP) which describes itself as ‘the modern governing body for the sport of polo in the United Kingdom and abroad’ says the animals are treated well.
According to its website: ‘Pony welfare is of the highest priority to the HPA […] There are extensive rules in the HPA rulebook that cover the management of ponies before, during, and after polo, including everything from stable management to tack and equipment.’
Representatives for the Sussexes and Netflix have been contacted for comment.
