Earlier this year Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, were spotted in Wellington, Florida attending the Sentebale Polo Classic to record scenes for a fourth Netflix docu-series called Polo.
The show centres on a group of professional players as they progress through the 2024 season. The series debuted on Tuesday and since its release it has attracted negative reviews.
Critics highlighted that while the pair co-produced the show, it appears to be more of the duke’s project as Harry has been associated with polo for a long time.
That said, another main criticism is that the pair hardly seem to make an appearance on the show, being briefly seen alongside players Nacho Figueras and Adolfo Cambiaso, who are featured throughout the series.
Meghan is briefly seen in one scene, with Figueras's wife, Delfina Blaquier, as they seen supporting Harry from the sidelines while he competes in the Sentebale charity tournament.
Serena Williams, a friend of the couple, also appears briefly.
The Guardian gave the show a two-star review calling it an “unintentionally hilarious profile of the world’s stupidest sport. It’s a show about privileged people showing us exactly how privileged they are, which means there isn’t a lot of drama to be found”.
Another two-star review came from The Telegraph, calling the show a “tedious inside-look at posh polo”, adding that “for once, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex don’t hog the limelight.
“There’s lots of blood, sweat, and tears in the series – but not enough of the Sussexes to make this anything other than a dull indulgence about a rich person’s pursuit.”
In Decider's evaluation, viewers were advised to skip the series. “Polo is a mostly boring look at a sport that very few people outside of elite circles have any particular interest in. The first episode was tough to connect with, because it presents a world that not only isn’t very relatable to most people, but is boring to boot.”
However, the review did mention that the series is worth seeing for anyone who wants to learn more about the sport.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams also chimed in on X, previously known as Twitter.
He wrote: “I’m angry that I’ve had to spend so much time watching this non-event. Tina Brown said the Sussexes were bad planners. Where is the appeal for this 5-parter on Polo, an elitist sport? They must have known few would watch. It’s really dull if you aren’t into the game.”
I’m angry that I’ve had to spend so much time watching this non-event. Tina Brown said the Sussexes were bad planners. Where is the appeal for this 5-parter on Polo, an elitist sport? They must have known few would watch. It’s really dull if you aren’t into the game. pic.twitter.com/EV19BtEroc
— Richard Fitzwilliams (@RFitzwilliams) December 12, 2024
The unfavourable reviews followed a report that said Netflix executives were disappointed with the documentary, citing the former royal's rare appearances in the production.
According to the Mail Online, a Hollywood producer said: “What Netflix have received in return doesn't look great. People want personal stuff. Apart from their documentary series, which had the drama of them quitting the Royal Family, everything else they've produced has been underwhelming.
“Any reasonable person tuning into a show about polo made by Prince Harry would expect Harry to take a starring role.
“That he's not is hugely disappointing for Netflix. Let's face it, polo isn't exactly a mainstream sport so the attraction would have been watching Harry. Without him, it's marginal at best.”
