Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s latest Netflix venture, Polo, presents a polished and wholesome view of the sport often associated with wealth, prestige, and tradition. However, for those familiar with the reality of polo’s social scene, the documentary’s restrained narrative feels like a sanitized portrayal of a world often described as “scandalously sexy.”
A Sanitized Take on Polo’s Reality
As executive producers, Harry and Meghan promised to delve into the “true depth and spirit of the sport” while showcasing the “intensity of its high-stakes moments.” The five-part series does highlight the skill and dedication of renowned players like Adolfo and Poroto Cambiaso, Timmy Dutta, and Nacho Figueras.
Yet, the show largely avoids addressing the wilder, more hedonistic side of polo culture—an aspect often romanticized in fiction and whispered about in elite social circles.
Jilly Cooper’s Influence: A Missing Dimension
The polo world depicted in novels like Jilly Cooper’s famous bonkbusters captures a side of the sport that brims with steamy affairs, lavish parties, and social intrigue. These stories highlight polo’s reputation as more than just a sport—it’s a lifestyle marked by excess and escapades. While the Netflix series focuses on the athletes’ discipline and the competitive edge of the game, it steers clear of delving into these salacious undertones.
Polo’s Real-Life Glamour and Intrigue
Off the field, polo is as much about the afterparties as the matches themselves. Lavish events, flowing champagne, and a glamorous crowd often define the scene. The mix of adrenaline-fueled competition and opulent celebrations fosters an environment where boundaries blur, and scandals brew.
Prince Harry himself has been no stranger to polo’s allure, having participated in numerous charity matches and mingled with the glittering elite drawn to the sport. His own connection to Nacho Figueras, dubbed the “David Beckham of polo,” further underscores the intersection of polo and celebrity culture.
A Missed Opportunity for Depth
By focusing solely on the athletic and strategic elements of polo, Polo misses an opportunity to explore the dichotomy of the sport’s disciplined and debaucherous sides. The decision to avoid the more risqué aspects may reflect Harry and Meghan’s attempt to protect their brand, but it also leaves a gap in portraying the full picture of the sport’s culture.
The Public’s Reaction
Viewers familiar with polo’s reputation have noticed this gap, with some taking to social media to comment on the series’ lack of grit. While the Netflix collaboration aims to elevate polo’s image, many wonder if a more honest depiction—including its glamorous and scandalous dimensions—would have been more compelling.
Conclusion: A Glossy but Incomplete Picture
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Polo offers a polished look at the sport, focusing on its athleticism and high-stakes competition. However, by skipping over the wilder, steamier side of the polo world, the series presents an incomplete picture. For a sport that thrives on both its elegance and its excess, the documentary could have benefited from a deeper dive into its untamed allure, balancing the raw excitement of the game with the drama of its social scene.
