Prince Harry’s Netflix Polo Documentary Sparks Criticism and Archewell Backlash
Prince Harry's latest Netflix project, a documentary centered around polo, has found itself in the crosshairs of critics, with Charlotte Griffiths, editor at the *Mail on Sunday*, branding it “a load of old tosh.”
In an interview with GB News, Griffiths compared the documentary to a mix of *Selling Sunset* and *Welcome to Wrexham*, but noted a critical flaw: the show fails to establish an emotional connection with its audience.
“With *Welcome to Wrexham*, you’re rooting for the underdogs to succeed and breathe new life into a football club,” Griffiths explained. “But here, it’s hard to care. These polo players are multi-millionaires with fleets of horses and access to private planes—it’s completely detached from the everyday viewer’s reality.”
Adding to the disconnect, Griffiths pointed out that the show is largely devoid of royal appearances. “There are no Royal Family members, and barely even Prince Harry,” she said, emphasizing that this lack of star power diminishes its appeal.
Critics have also zeroed in on the portrayal of the sport itself and the featured players. According to Griffiths, one glaring moment reveals a player who doesn’t even know the names of his horses.
“If you own four horses, surely you’d learn their names—it’s not that hard, is it?” she quipped, highlighting a sense of disinterest that undermines the authenticity of the documentary.
The project has also faced scrutiny from animal rights advocates, with PETA condemning polo as “very cruel on the horses.” This criticism adds another layer of controversy to the series, further complicating its reception.
Ultimately, the documentary’s inability to connect with viewers raises questions about its relevance and potential to bolster Prince Harry’s Archewell brand. Without the royal gravitas or an authentic narrative, the project struggles to resonate, leaving critics and viewers alike unimpressed.