The inaugural trailer for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's forthcoming Netflix documentary has been released following months of anticipation from royal enthusiasts.
The pair's documentary, which will be released on the platform on December 10, will examine the realm of polo, a sport Harry has participated in for years. It also pledges to explore the "grit beneath the glamour," as per The Hollywood Reporter.
Prince Harry stated that this series provides spectators with an unparalleled, behind-the-scenes perspective on the passion and dedication of some of the world's finest polo players, exposing the resilience beneath the glamour. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are honored to exhibit the genuine profundity and essence of the sport, as well as the passion of its critical moments.
The trailer features professional players addressing the camera about their experiences in the sport, including Nachos Figueras, a close associate of the Duke of Sussex, who articulated the game's high stakes by stating, "Imagine going on a horse at 35mph with someone coming at you at full speed."
Other polo players featured in the teaser include Louis Devaleix, who states that "the adrenaline that courses through your body" while engaging in the sport is "addicting." He was present with Timmy Dutta, Keko Magrini, and the father-son duo Adolfo and Poroto Cambiaso, who are scheduled to compete against one another on the polo field.
In the video, Poroto Cambiaso discusses confronting his father, a great athlete in the sport. "I want to win against my dad. I can say that I beat the greatest of the sport," he declares. Adolfo's father is recorded stating, "I am very proud of my son, but I try to beat him."
Nonetheless, the documentary appears to delve beyond mere field life. As Nachos stated, "Polo is not just a sport; polo is a lifestyle. We eat, we breathe, we sleep polo." A female voice articulates that the realm of polo is "glamorous," further asserting that "it's a sexy sport too, dirty, sweaty boys riding."
The off-field drama in the new series centers on the young player Timmy Dutta, a prodigious talent who clashes with his father and coach. He asserts, "It's healthy to have somewhat of a personal life outside of being an athlete," to which his father retorts, "Timmy is extremely charming, and his looks are what they are; it's a distraction."
Louis Devaleix's personal life appears to be emphasized significantly, highlighted by a scene with his pregnant wife stating, "Polo can impact your family, and that's well-known."
Polo will be the third project by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for Netflix, produced through their firm Archewell Productions. Their 2022 series "Harry & Meghan" objectively examined the couple's romance, their departure from royal duties, and relocation to California, achieving record-breaking viewership upon its debut.
The documentary's launch achieved the most extensive viewership for any documentary broadcast by the streaming giant. At the same time, some critics alleged that the couple reiterated previously covered material throughout its six episodes. On review, accumulator Rotten Tomatoes, the couple's eponymous series, has only scored 45 percent positive reviews, despite the considerable interest in its release and the longstanding public fascination with the couple.
The duo also developed "Live to Lead," which featured global leaders sharing their narratives, and Heart of Invictus, which documented six athletes' game preparations. Harry was featured in Heart of Invictus; however, the documentary predominantly centered on the former service members participating in the tournament, and Meghan did not appear in the program.
The new teaser for "Polo" does not show the Duke or Duchess, so it is uncertain whether Prince Harry, a frequent participant in charity polo events, will appear in the series. Prior reports indicated that Netflix executives were "dissatisfied" with Prince Harry's minimal involvement in the final edit.
An unnamed informant asserted that any rational individual watching a polo show produced by Prince Harry would anticipate his prominent participation. His absence is profoundly sad for Netflix. Polo is not a widely popular sport, so the primary appeal would have been observing Prince Harry. In his absence, it is, at best, negligible.
Meghan is reportedly poised to appear in a new Netflix lifestyle series centered around her brand, America Riviera Orchard, which was unveiled earlier this year. Meghan established a new Instagram account for the company, initiated a new website, and distributed 50 promotional jars of limited-edition strawberry jam to her closest friends, Tatler Magazine reported.
The food show is described as "celebrating the joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship" and is claimed to have completed filming; however, the premiere date has not been disclosed. America Riviera Orchard has reportedly encountered trademark disputes from its inception, with The New York Post indicating that another entity, Royal Riviera, has contested Meghan's registration due to a "likelihood of confusion" between the two brands.
The "Polo" teaser has elicited varied responses online. "Excited for the behind-the-scenes of polo, but where is Harry? Isn't this his project?" an X user stated. "Without Harry, this just seems like a niche doc-hope it surprises us!" another netizen wrote.
Business Times has reached out to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for comments.
