Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's latest Netflix project, a five-part documentary series titled Polo, has drawn sharp criticism from former friends, Hollywood insiders, and royal observers ahead of its global premiere on December 10. Promoted as an in-depth exploration of the "grit behind the glamour" of the elite polo world, the series has been described by some as "tacky" and "cringey."
The trailer, released this week, features interviews with renowned polo players, including Nacho Figueras, a close friend of Prince Harry. Figueras highlights the high-stakes nature of the game, saying, "Imagine going on a horse at 35mph with someone coming at you at full speed." Other players featured include Louis Devaleix, Timmy Dutta, and the father-son duo Adolfo and Poroto Cambiaso. Despite their roles as executive producers, Harry and Meghan do not appear in the documentary.
One former polo-playing friend of Harry's was less than impressed by the trailer, telling The Daily Beast, "It's hilarious, but not in a good way. It's so tacky and cringey, it is literally all the worst things about polo. I watched it in appalled hysterics." Another added, "The irony is that polo is actually a surprisingly inclusive sport these days. You do see plenty of rich kids, but there are also fantastic riders from less privileged backgrounds. It doesn't look like this show is going to highlight that, which is a real missed opportunity."
The criticism has extended beyond the world of polo. A senior Hollywood executive speculated that the couple's relevance in the entertainment industry may be waning. "This looks like it has failed to capture the imagination," the executive said. "There is very little tolerance for wasting money these days. If Harry and Meghan can't deliver compelling content beyond stories about the royal family, their future may lie in monetizing their fame on social media."
Harry defended the series in a press release, emphasizing its focus on the dedication and spirit of elite polo players. "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 glamour. We're proud to showcase the true depth and spirit of the sport-and the intensity of its high-stakes moments," he said.
The backlash highlights a broader struggle for Harry and Meghan as they attempt to build a Hollywood career beyond their royal narrative. Their earlier Netflix projects, including Heart of Invictus and Live to Lead, achieved moderate success, but critics argue that they have yet to produce groundbreaking content. A senior executive noted, "They are running out of last chances to prove they can make content that isn't centered on royal drama."
The Daily Mail columnist Liz Jones, who was once supportive of Meghan, also joined the fray. Jones questioned the show's premise, writing, "How can Harry and Meghan possibly travel the globe, preaching about poverty and diversity and inclusion, when not one black player can be spied... and the funds required to run a polo team doubtless outstrip that of Formula 1?"
The couple's Archewell Productions has produced Polo as part of their multimillion-dollar Netflix deal signed in 2020. While the series aims to elevate an elite sport, its reception so far suggests it may struggle to resonate with audiences. A prominent line from the trailer, where a player describes polo as "dirty, sweaty boys riding" and "a sexy sport too," has drawn particular criticism for reinforcing clichés.
