CELEBRITY INSIDER

 

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Royal fans were surprised yet intrigued when Netflix announced an upcoming docuseries focusing on the sport of polo featuring none other than Prince Harry and longtime friend Nacho Figueras. Titled "Polo" the six part documentary promises an inside look at the world of professional polo and the lavish lifestyle that often accompanies it. While polo remains quite niche even among sports fans, Harry and Nacho hope the series will help introduce newcomers to the "sport of kings" played predominantly by royalty and the ultra wealthy. 

Promotional materials tease breathtaking shots of polo matches taking place on sprawling estates and tournaments featuring million dollar prizes. Nacho, who serves as captain for the Argentine national polo team, will give viewers an insider's perspective on the high-stakes competitions. Meanwhile, Prince Harry plans to shed light on the charitable endeavors supported by polo as well as the history and traditions surrounding the royal family's deep ties to the equestrian sport. Netflix clearly sees the appeal of Harry's star power and name recognition to attract curious viewers who may not otherwise tune into a program centered around polo.

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Skeptics argue polo remains far too niche to captivate mainstream audiences in the way Formula 1 racing has thanks to the popular Netflix series "Drive to Survive." However, Nacho remains optimistic the flashy lifestyle presentations and never-before-seen access to Harry could turn some casual sports fans into polo appreciators. "Polo is an incredible sport that deserves more recognition globally. I'm excited to give viewers an authentic look at our world and hopefully introduce the sport to new fans," Nacho stated in a Netflix press release.

Only time will tell if "Polo" resonates beyond the small but devoted existing fanbase. On paper, gorgeous scenery, wealthy patrons, and literally playing a sport on horseback should make for compelling television. Yet polo lacks the mass appeal and underdog narratives of sports like football or basketball that so easily hook casual observers. The series appears to be banking heavily on curiosity around Prince Harry who remains one of the most talked about royals since stepping back from senior duties and moving to California with his American wife Meghan Markle.

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Regardless of whether polo gains new adherents, Nacho’s effusive praise of Harry and framing the documentary as an “honor” to work with the Prince have raised some eyebrows. Many speculate Nacho hopes association with Harry and production of the Netflix series burnishes his own public profile and marketability beyond the insular world of professional polo. His fawning over Harry comes across as disingenuously over-the-top to casual observers more accustomed to Harry and Meghan's frequent missteps and PR blunders since leaving Britain. 

Cynics see Nacho clinging desperately to his friendship with Harry as a means to remain culturally relevant beyond his sport. For Harry’s part, some perceive using Netflix and polo as an avenue to stay in the headlines now that he’s outside the direct royal spotlight. An undercurrent of codependency and mutually serving one another’s relevance exists between the two men, regardless of Nacho’s glowing praise. Whether “Polo” lives up to Nacho’s lofty predictions of elevating the sport globally or serves as just another vanity project for Harry remains to be seen when it debuts on Netflix this December.

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Intrigue also surrounds how—or even if—Harry’s estrangement from his royal family back in the UK will factor into the docuseries. Though “Polo” aims to highlight the sport’s royal traditions, the drama of Harry’s very public split from his brother William and father Charles could provide a subtle subplots. Viewers will no doubt read between the lines of Harry's interactions, if any, with his polo-playing relatives who remain full-time working royals. Meanwhile, Meghan’s absence from the project may further fuel perceptions of a growing rift between the couple and the rest of the British royal family Meghan married into.

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All in all, “Polo” shapes up as an interesting royal watch given Harry’s unprecedented position as a semi-royal living in the US. Yet the series remains an ambitious bet on polo piquing lasting interest outside private clubs and equestrian estates. Much rides on Nacho and Harry’s charisma and ability to tell a story that resonates far beyond polo’s usual confines. While feel-good profiles of philanthropic patrons and adrenaline of competition provide perfect fodder for reality programming, only time will tell if “Polo” makes new converts or serves as another brief curiosity for faded fame’s bid to stay relevant.