Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took an active role in creating Polo, a new Netflix documentary series showcasing the world of elite polo. Premiering Dec. 10, the five-episode series, produced by Archewell Productions and Boardwalk Pictures, offers a deep dive into the sport often called "the sport of kings," focusing on the U.S. Open Polo Championship in Wellington, Florida. The series highlights the players' skill, dedication, and the vibrant culture surrounding polo.
According to showrunner Miloš Balać, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were highly engaged throughout the project. ''They were extremely hands-on,'' Balać said, adding that Prince Harry’s in-depth knowledge of polo was invaluable. Harry contributed expert advice, such as how to present the game more dynamically and ensure factual accuracy in editing. Meghan, on the other hand, emphasized the welcoming atmosphere of polo’s sidelines, where casual tailgating and community gatherings contrast with the sport’s traditional image.
Prince Harry, an avid polo player who competes annually in the Sentebale Polo Cup, brought a personal passion to the project. Balać shared that one of Harry’s early goals was securing the participation of Adolfo and Poroto Cambiaso, a legendary father-son duo in the polo world. '' Having the Cambiasos involved was a top priority,'' Balać said. Their compelling dynamic as teammates and eventual rivals added emotional depth to the series.
Meghan also inspired the series by sharing her love for the casual side of polo matches. ''She prepped me for how wonderfully down-to-earth polo can be,'' Balać said, highlighting how matches often feature families pulling up in trucks, barefoot with their dogs, to enjoy the sport. Meghan’s perspective helped shape the series, offering viewers a more approachable and relatable look at polo.
The series also features the couple’s close friend Ignacio Nacho' Figueras, a professional polo player and ambassador for Prince Harry’s Sentebale charity. Figueras acted as a consulting producer and provided insight into the sport's traditions. Balać described the bond between Harry and Figueras as 'infectious,' noting their shared camaraderie on and off the field.
Balać praised Harry and Meghan as collaborative and passionate partners. ''Harry approached it from an athlete’s perspective, while Meghan brought her enthusiasm for the culture surrounding the sport,'' he said. Together, they worked to present polo in a way that appeals to newcomers and long-time fans alike.
On the eve of the premiere, Balać expressed hope that audiences would connect with the human stories behind the sport. '' This isn’t just a sports documentary. It’s about people, their passions, and a deeper connection to a world you might not expect. We hope viewers fall in love with it,'' he said. Polo is now streaming on Netflix.
