Netflix has officially announced the release of its highly anticipated documentary series on polo, simply titled Polo.
The series promises to offer an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the fast-paced, glamorous world of elite global polo players. However, what's generating more buzz than the subject matter itself is a notable omission: Prince Harry is conspicuously absent from all the promotional material. This exclusion has sparked widespread speculation and amusement among observers, particularly because the series is a product of Archwell Productions—Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's media company—in collaboration with Boardwalk Pictures. The absence of Harry in a show produced by his own company is raising eyebrows.
Unsurprisingly, the internet is already buzzing with reactions. Many see Harry's absence as a sign of his fading influence in the public sphere. Once a celebrated figure, Prince Harry’s image has shifted dramatically over time, with some now labeling it "toxic." Netflix's decision to exclude him from the promotional images seems to suggest that including him might generate more backlash than viewership. The announcement of the series came through a post on X (formerly Twitter), featuring four carefully curated photos. Yet, none of the images included Prince Harry, despite his long-standing involvement in polo and his close association with Nacho Figueras, the renowned Argentinian polo player.
Observers quickly noticed Harry’s absence, and speculation began to swirl. Some suggest that Netflix may be trying to distance the series from any controversies tied to Prince Harry. Given the mixed reception Harry and Meghan have faced in recent years, it’s plausible that Netflix made a deliberate choice to avoid further drama. Not long ago, rumors circulated online, with many claiming that Polo would never see the light of day. These rumors have now been dispelled as Netflix not only confirmed the release but also set a premiere date for December. Despite the confirmation, questions remain about Harry’s glaring absence in the promotional material.
The promotional photos feature Nacho Figueras in one image, while the others show horses and unidentified individuals. But where is Harry? For a documentary linked to Archwell Productions, his absence seems particularly conspicuous. Many commentators have theorized that Netflix, acutely aware of the controversy surrounding Harry, might have intentionally left him out to avoid stirring up additional backlash. This theory is gaining traction, with many finding it ironic that Harry, once a central figure in any project tied to his name, is now being sidelined.
In recent years, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's public image has faced significant challenges. From the controversies surrounding their departure from royal duties to their more recent, lackluster public appearances, the couple has become lightning rods for criticism. Many now speculate that Harry’s increasingly divisive image is precisely why Netflix opted not to feature him prominently in the promotional material for Polo. After all, Netflix is a business, and its primary concern is maintaining and growing its audience. Featuring someone with such a polarizing reputation could risk alienating viewers.
As reactions to the promo continue to pour in, one thing is certain: Harry’s omission has not gone unnoticed. In fact, it has only amplified the narrative that the once-admired prince is now struggling to stay relevant. While Netflix’s Polo series is likely to provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of elite polo, the real intrigue lies in the behind-the-scenes drama. The decision to exclude Prince Harry from the promotional material speaks volumes, and for some, it is downright humorous. It seems Netflix, like many others, has realized that being associated with Prince Harry might no longer be worth the risk.
