Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle recently attended a polo event in Florida to raise funds for Sentebale, the charity organization founded by the Duke of Sussex in 2006 to support children and young adults in Southern African countries such as Lesotho and Botswana. The royal couple was joined by their friend, Argentine polo player and model Nacho Figueras, who is also involved in a Netflix miniseries about polo. Harry, Meghan, and Figueras were followed by a TV crew working on the show, with Figueras expressing hopes that it will have a similar impact on polo as Formula 1: Drive to Survive had on the world of racing.
Harry and Meghan are executive producers of the show, which is a project they have been working on for a while. Figueras praised Harry’s polo skills, describing him as a great rider, athlete, with excellent hand-eye coordination, competitiveness, and polo playing abilities. During the matches at the Grand Champions Polo Club in Palm Beach County, Harry’s team defeated Figueras’ team 3-1, with the prince scoring the first goal of the game. Despite missing an open and close shot earlier on, Harry’s team, Royal Sentebale, went on to win both matches, earning Harry a trophy for winning the mini-tournament and a kiss on the cheek from Meghan.
Approximately 300 spectators attended the matches, which were part of a weekend fundraiser that is expected to raise a million dollars for Sentebale. Celebrity polo matches around the world have collectively raised around 15 million dollars for the charity since 2006. According to Sentabale’s latest annual report, the organization raised approximately 6 million dollars in the fiscal year 2022, with about half of the funds coming from the United States. The event was a success in terms of both raising funds and awareness for the charity’s work in supporting children and young adults in need in Southern Africa.
The involvement of high-profile individuals like Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Nacho Figueras in the polo event highlights the importance of using their influence and platforms to support charitable causes. By participating in fundraisers and promoting awareness about the work of organizations like Sentebale, these figures can help make a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable populations in various parts of the world. The success of the event and the support it received from the spectators and organizers demonstrate the power of collaboration and collective efforts in making a difference in the lives of those in need.
The presence of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the polo event not only added a royal touch but also drew attention to the importance of philanthropy and charitable giving. Their active involvement in the fundraising efforts and their support for Sentebale reflect their commitment to using their platform for good causes. As the executive producers of the upcoming polo-themed Netflix show, Harry and Meghan are seeking to showcase the sport and its significance at the highest levels of competition. Their dedication to promoting polo and supporting charitable initiatives aligns with their broader commitment to making a positive impact on society and addressing pressing social issues.
