Prince William ‘eliminated’ from Netflix’s POLO documentary by Harry? Royal experts flag ‘big gap’
Prince Harry's Netflix docuseries POLO has sparked controversy due to the absence of his brother, Prince William. Royal experts argue that this exclusion undermines the royal family's rich history with the sport, raising questions about the couple's narrative choices and future projects.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's latest Netflix documentary, Polo, debuted on December 10, showcasing a behind-the-scenes look at the glamorous world of polo. However, the series has quickly drawn criticism for its exclusive focus on Harry, notably omitting his brother, Prince William, from the narrative. Royal experts have expressed their dismay over this absence, highlighting the significance of William's connection to the sport.
Andrew Pierce, a commentator on GB News, voiced his concerns, stating, “There's a big gap in this because of course, polo is the favourite sport of Prince William and he isn't appearing in the documentary because he's not speaking to his brother.”
Pierce further argued that it is impossible to create a comprehensive polo documentary without including the British royal family's long-standing involvement in the sport.
Experts Weigh In on Prince William’s ‘Omission’
Sarah Louise Robertson echoed these sentiments, suggesting that Prince Harry's decision to exclude Prince of Wales William from the documentary feels like an erasure of his own history with polo.
She remarked, “It’s like he’s just eliminated that history,” as the focus shifts to Harry’s American-centric approach to the game. Critics contend that this choice undermines the rich legacy of polo within the royal family and raises questions about Duke of Sussex Harry's motivations for creating this narrative.
Netflix Docuseries POLO
POLO, the five-part series on Netflix, has been produced by Archewell Productions and Boardwalk Pictures.
the Netflix docuseries features elite players competing in the US Open Polo Championship in Florida's Wellington.
Responses to Mixed Reviews of POLO on Netflix
Despite Harry and Meghan serving as executive producers, their screen time is limited, leading some viewers to label the documentary as "boring" and lacking depth.
Brand expert Nick Ede noted that while there may be initial interest due to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's involvement, the lack of substantial airtime for the couple could hinder viewership.
There's a big gap in this because of course, polo is the favourite sport of Prince William.
He stated, “With very little airtime, we don’t get to see the pair much and also hardly any PR around the series.” The early reviews have been harsh, with some critics branding it as “dull” and “niche,” questioning whether it can sustain viewer interest.
It’s like he’s just eliminated that history.
All eyes are now on Meghan Markle's upcoming cooking show. With their current deal set to expire next year, the success of their projects may determine whether they secure a renewal with the streaming giant.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in partnership with Netflix has forked out handsome sums of money in the past, notably with docuseries Harry and Meghan, Live to Lead, Heart Of Invictus and Meet Me at the Lake. Reacting to the possibility of Netflix wanting more newsworthy content, BBC Royal Correspondent Jennie Bond said, “I imagine Netflix is hankering after another expose like their docuseries on Royal life."
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Business NewsNewsTrendsPrince William ‘eliminated’ from Netflix’s POLO documentary by Harry? Royal experts flag ‘big gap’
First Published:13 Dec 2024, 10:12 AM IST
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