Amid great anticipation and extravagant announcements, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly teaming up on two Netflix projects through their AR Foundation or ARU Productions.
The couple themselves made the announcement, seemingly banking on Netflix's hesitancy to confirm the news due to their waning interest. However, this latest venture, particularly the polo series, raises questions. The statement from Marwell Productions, established by the couple after their exit, claims the series will explore the world of polo, showcasing its passion and intensity.
Yet, Harry's credentials as a professional polo player are dubious, leading to skepticism about his role. Additionally, filming restrictions at polo clubs posed challenges, prompting the couple to seek locations elsewhere, such as Florida. The Santa Barbara Polo and Racket Club near their residence seems like an ideal filming location. However, the affluent members are wary of their privacy being compromised or reluctant to be associated with the project.
This reluctance may stem from Harry and Meghan's perceived financial constraints and quest for fame, tarnishing the club's exclusivity. A royal expert has claimed that Harry's new polo program for Netflix is the company's final attempt to capitalize on its reported hundred million dollar deal with him and Meghan.
Seemingly a last-ditch effort to squeeze something out of Prince Harry, specifically, Royal expert Kinsey Scoffield shared reactions to the streaming show's descriptions. Since launching the partnership with the newly emancipated royals in fall 2020, the platform has only received notifications for three shows from the duo. The original contract called for children's programming, scripted series, films, and documentaries of Harry and Meghan. Despite this, only the namesake documentary, "Heart of Invictus," made an impression on the streamer due to explosive ratings, fueled by hopes of royal gossip.
Essentially, the original six-part reality show they delivered to the world was akin to the Oprah interview. Millions of viewers were simply there to see what they would say next, an ultimatum inside a spill. It's probably the most fast-forwarded show Netflix ever had. Now that they know it's all a cash grab, those millions of eyeballs won't click their stuff anymore. However, with the app's recent press release to generate interest in the duo, two separate lifestyle-oriented shows were announced. Scoffield claimed this was a message the company wanted: luxury, glamour, and aspirational content, which polo falls into.
Netflix knows that any scenes of Prince Harry with his guard down are of interest to the public. The app shared news of the program amidst the wake of Meghan's glossy new product line rollout. Netflix is said to be livid that the ex-actress and Prince Harry dared to focus on anything other than their deal with the streamer. Moreover, Meghan's involvement introduces further complications. Her ventures, like the American Riviera Orchard, have faced ridicule for perceived low quality and misplaced association with luxury.
The couple's frugality, exemplified by Meghan's distribution of homemade jams as gifts, contrasts sharply with their previous royal lifestyle. Furthermore, Meghan's tendency to disclose filming locations, as seen with their current residence, infringes on others' privacy, a stark departure from their professed desire for privacy.
This discrepancy, coupled with Harry's diminished public appeal, highlights the challenges they face in their post-royal endeavors. In essence, Harry and Meghan's foray into Netflix production faces numerous obstacles, from logistical challenges to reputational issues. Their attempt to transition from royal life to entertainment moguls is met with skepticism, underscoring the complexities of their new reality.
