Prince Harry risks stirring up tensions within his fanbase in his new Netflix show about the elite world of professional polo, according to Newsweek's chief royal correspondent.
In a panel discussion with the U.K.'s Sky News anchor Kay Burley on Wednesday, Jack Royston was asked how the prince's show might be received.
He noted the elite and privileged world of international polo as a premise could send Harry into reverse, towards the traditions and social pursuits associated with the Royal family from which he has distanced himself in recent years.
Royston also highlighted that a large proportion of Harry's fanbase comprises young progressives who can be anti-rich and anti-elite.
Harry and Meghan Markle's Archewell Productions company announced earlier this month that it is working on two new series for the streaming service. One will be "curated" by Meghan to focus on her loves of gardening, cooking and entertaining. The second will be an in-depth look behind the scenes at Harry's personal passion, the world of polo.
"Its interesting because its a step back towards royal life for him," Royston told Burley. "Polo is a big part of the royal family's way of doing things. They all play polo."
He added: "But its quite different to the direction they [Harry and Meghan] took themselves in when they first came to America, which was all about appealing to young progressives who are quite anti-rich and anti-elite.
"Polo is a very elite sport. So, it could create a little bit of tension within the fanbase."
The sport is seen as one of the most exclusive in the world. Not only is it hugely expensive to take part in (needing horses to play on, specialist kit and space) but it is also intrinsically tied to social class, with matches often fostering opportunities for the rich and famous to socialize with one another while on occasion raising money for charity.
Since splitting from the monarchy in 2020, Harry and Meghan have built a brand image in the U.S. appealing to young people as more progressive and egalitarian than the royals back in Britain. The couple's popularity is strong among Gen-Z (18 to 24 year olds) who are increasingly critical of wealth, privilege and class exclusivity, making a new focus on a sport closely tied to these things a risky move.
The sport is akin to a form of field hockey played on horseback, with two teams competing to hit a single ball through their corresponding goals at each end of an arena.
The play is divided into seven-minute sections known as chukkas, there can be up to six chukkas in a game. The sport can require players to use multiple ponies, changing between chukkas.
Polo is perhaps most famous for being played by members of the royal family, most notably the late Prince Philip, King Charles III, Prince William and Harry. Both William and Harry take part in annual polo games, raising money for charity.
Harry and Meghan both made an appearance at the Royal Salute Polo Challenge at the Grand Champions Polo Club in Wellington, Florida on April 12, one day after announcing their new series.
Harry played on the Royal Salute Sentebale team, ultimately winning the event which raised money for the prince's Sentebale charity which supports young people in Lesotho and Botswana.
According to Archewell Productions, the polo series will look at the reality of the sport behind the polish of its social veneer. The show, they said will provide viewers with "unprecedented access to the world of professional polo."
"Known primarily for its aesthetic and social scene, the series will pull the curtain back on the grit and passion of the sport, capturing players and all it takes to compete at the highest level."
The show has no confirmed release date and is said to be in the early stages of production.
James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek's royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.
Do you have a question about King Charles III, William and Kate, Meghan and Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email royals@newsweek.com. We'd love to hear from you.
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James Crawford-Smith is a Newsweek Royal Reporter, based in London, U.K. His focus is reporting on the British royal family ... Read more
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