The polo world was shaken this week as Nacho Figueras, a close friend and frequent polo partner of Prince Harry, issued a scathing criticism of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Figueras, widely regarded as one of the world's top polo players, has long been an outspoken supporter of Harry and Meghan. However, he now says he can no longer stay silent after their latest series of public attacks against the British royal family. The controversy began when the Sussexes participated in a tell-all interview with a prominent U.S. television host in June 2023.
During the explosive interview, Harry and Meghan made several incendiary claims about the inner workings of the royal family, including allegations of racism, emotional neglect, and a general lack of support from "The Firm." The interview sent shockwaves through the monarchy and sparked a major public relations crisis for Buckingham Palace, with many royal observers feeling that the Sussexes had crossed a line by airing private family matters so publicly.
Initially, Nacho Figueras stood by Harry and Meghan, urging the public to empathize with their situation. However, in a dramatic change of heart, the Argentine polo star expressed his deep disappointment and growing anger with the couple's continued public attacks on the royal family in a tell-all interview of his own. "I’ve supported Harry and Meghan for a long time because they are my friends and I love them, but enough is enough," Figueras said. "The things they’ve been saying about the royal family are simply wrong. It’s unacceptable to keep attacking the Queen, the Prince of Wales, and others in this way. At some point, you have to remain loyal to those who have stood by you, rather than just going along with your spouse no matter what."
Figueras also voiced concerns that Harry and Meghan have become consumed by bitterness and resentment, allowing it to overshadow the goodwill and support they once enjoyed. He revealed that he has personally tried to counsel the couple to take the high road and find a way to reconcile with the Royals, but his pleas have been ignored. "Harry and Meghan seem to be in a mindset where they just want to burn everything down. It’s as if they have an insatiable thirst for revenge against the institution and the family that, in many ways, gave them so much," Figueras lamented.
The polo star was particularly critical of the Sussexes' most recent bombshell interview, in which they made a series of shocking claims about Meghan’s treatment by the royal family. Figueras called the accusations "outrageous and detached from reality." He defended the royal family, saying, "The Queen has been nothing but loving and caring towards Meghan. The Prince of Wales adored her and went out of his way to make her feel welcome. Yet Harry and Meghan continue to paint this picture of a cold, uncaring family that was somehow racist and cruel to Meghan. It’s simply not true," he insisted.
Figueras went on to express his view that the Sussexes’ relentless attacks on the Royals are not just hurtful but deeply damaging to the monarchy itself. He fears that the constant public airing of private family matters is eroding public respect and affection for the institution of the Crown. "The Queen has dedicated her entire life to serving the British people with dignity, grace, and honor. She is one of the most beloved figures in the world, and yet Harry and Meghan seem intent on dragging her name through the mud," Figueras lamented. "I think it’s shameful, and I’m honestly ashamed to call them my friends anymore."
Figueras revealed that he has made repeated attempts to reach out to Harry and Meghan, urging them to step back from their aggressive public stance, but his efforts have been in vain. "I’ve told them, please, for the love of God, stop this madness. Make peace with your family. Focus on the good you can do in the world instead of this unending feud. But they won’t listen. They’re just consumed by this vendetta," Figueras said. When asked whether he believes the Sussexes' attacks on the Royals are motivated by a desire for revenge or an inability to move on, Figueras suggested it’s a toxic combination of both. "I think there’s a real element of resentment and bitterness there. They feel they were wronged by the institution, and they want payback. But I also think they are unable to let go and heal the wounds. They’re stuck in this negative spiral that is only harming them and everyone around them," he observed.
The explosive interview has sent shockwaves through the royal fan community, with many expressing shock and dismay at Figueras' public rebuke of his friends. Some have accused the polo star of betraying the Sussexes, while others have praised him for finally speaking the truth. Buckingham Palace has yet to comment on Figueras' remarks, but royal experts believe the intervention of such a high-profile and longtime Sussex supporter is a significant blow to Harry and Meghan’s credibility and public standing. As the war of words between the Sussexes and the Windsors rages on, it remains to be seen whether Figueras' scathing criticism will prompt any change in the couple’s confrontational approach. For now, it appears the rift between the Sussexes and the royal family is only deepening, with no resolution in sight.
