Celebrity Equestrians: Prince Harry’s “Secret” Netflix Project
The docuseries, which will feature polo, will “pull the curtain back on the grit and passion of the sport.”
Do the writers of Eventing Nation have an oracle they’re consulting for articles? That’s the question now that we’ve learned Netflix is set to debut a new two-part series featuring Prince Harry and Nacho Figueras in a show dedicated to professional polo in Wellington, Florida.
It will be “shot primarily at the US Open Polo Championship in Wellington, Florida, at The USPA National Polo Center,” per Sussex.com. Archewell Productions, in partnership with Boardwalk Pictures, “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.”
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Prince Harry is known for being an avid polo player, along with the rest of the royal family. He often competes in charity matches similar to the Royal Salute Polo Challenge, where he was spotted with film crews recently, and in 2022, he competed on Figueras’ team in Santa Barbara.
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The series is not without criticism, though, with many calling the project a “last ditch effort” to make Prince Harry and Meghan Markle relatable to audiences.
Netflix probably hopes this show will be just as much of a success as their Drive to Survive, which features another kind of horsepower in an even more expensive sport. That show, despite its high ratings on the streaming platform, has also been heavily criticized by F1 drivers and F1 fans for utilizing heavy editing techniques that force a narrative. So, basically, it’s a standard reality show.
As a fan of polo and one who has interviewed people on the Wellington circuit, I have high hopes for this series. I hope it truly shows the more down-to-earth elements of the sport and steers away from the glamour, glitz, and caviar dreams. Other critics wonder if the show will actually go behind the scenes, noting that polo is well-known for being a little on the wild side. Harry certainly isn’t afraid to divulge, as evidenced by his book, Spare.
Only time will tell. Meanwhile, we can start taking bets on whether or not the show will be called “Ride to Survive.”
Miloš Balać will be the series’ showrunner, and executive producers include Harry, Meghan Markle, Chanel Pysnik, Andrew Fried, Sarina Roma, Dane Lillegar, Balać, and Ian Samplin. The project is being produced as part of Harry and Meghan’s five-year $100 million deal with Netflix under their Archwell Productions banner.
Go riding.
Amanda Uechi Ronan is an author, equestrian and wannabe race car driver. Follow her on Instagram @amanda_uechi_ronan.
