Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s new Netflix project, a series on polo titled Polo, has drawn sharp criticism from former friends, media commentators, and Hollywood insiders alike.
As per the Daily Beast, former polo-playing acquaintances of Prince Harry, called the trailer “tacky and cringey,” describing their reaction as “appalled hysterics.”
One noted that the series fails to highlight polo’s growing inclusivity, while others viewed the project as a desperate attempt to monetise the couple’s waning popularity.
The criticism extended to Hollywood, where a senior executive suggested the couple may be “running out of last chances” to create compelling content that doesn’t revolve around royal scandals. They speculated that Harry and Meghan might turn to monetising their fame on social media if their streaming ventures continued to falter.
The show features elite players such as Nacho Figueras and the Cambiaso father-son duo but has been widely panned for glamorising a niche, privileged sport.
According to News.com.au, the trailer faced a strikingly negative reception online, with dislikes far outweighing likes on YouTube. Critics argued the couple missed an opportunity to explore the sport’s evolving inclusivity, instead focusing on its high-society appeal.
Adding to the backlash, media commentators like Liz Jones from the Daily Mail accused Harry and Meghan of hypocrisy. While the couple advocates for diversity, the lack of visible inclusivity in the trailer drew attention.
Moreover, the high costs associated with polo and the environmental impact of frequent travel further fuelled accusations of being out of touch with global economic and environmental concerns.
Public sentiment mirrored these critiques, with News.com.au highlighting the irony of celebrating an elite sport amid a global cost-of-living crisis.
The lukewarm reception suggests the series risks falling flat, raising questions about the sustainability of the couple’s current trajectory in the entertainment industry.