Fans awaiting the release of Prince Harry‘s latest project for streaming giant Netflix received an update on Monday, just under two hours after Princess Kate released a statement on her cancer treatment.
Back in April, Harry and Meghan Markle announced that they were working on two new docuseries for Netflix with their Archewelll Productions company. The couple have already released three series with the streaming platform, the most notable of these being the eponymous 2022 six-part deep-dive into their relationship and split from the monarchy, Harry & Meghan.
Harry’s new show will provide a behind-the-scenes look into the world of international polo, the horseback sport he has played for the majority of his adult life and is widely associated with the wealthy elite.
Prince Harry photographed playing polo in Aspen, Colorado, August 2023. And (inset) Princess Kate photographed in Norfolk, England, August 2024. Harry’s new Netflix show will follow the world of international polo.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Sentebale/Will Warr/The Prince and Princess of Wales
In April, a statement from Harry’s team said that the show 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.”
Now, new details of the project have been released, including its title, simply: POLO.
On Monday, Netflix’s official X (formerly Twitter) account posted four new images associated with the series, along with the announcement: “POLO is a new documentary series that follows elite global players and offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the fast-paced world of the sport. From Archewell Productions and Boardwalk Pictures. Premiering this December.”
POLO is a new documentary series that follows elite global players and offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the fast-paced world of the sport. From Archewell Productions and Boardwalk Pictures. Premiering this December. pic.twitter.com/92vu4xYW8u
— Netflix (@netflix) September 9, 2024
Newsweek approached representatives of Prince Harry via email for comment.
The timing of the announcement was significant as it came under two hours after Harry’s sister-in-law, Princess Kate, released a three-minute video update on her cancer journey through the royal’s official social media channels.
In what was the first major update given on her health since June, Kate revealed that she has completed her course of preventative chemotherapy and hopes to begin a gradual return to work as she focuses on staying “cancer-free.”
“The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family,” she said. “Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.
“The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.
“With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.
“This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.”
Princess Kate, Prince William, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Prince George photographed in Norfolk, England, August 2024. The princess released an update on her cancer treatment on September 9.
Will Warr/The Prince and Princess of Wales
Harry and Meghan’s relationship with William and Kate has taken on increasing public focus since the former couple’s split from the monarchy and move to the U.S. in 2020.
Longstanding speculation of considerable strain between the couples was confirmed by Harry and Meghan in their 2021 Oprah interview, 2022 Netflix show and Harry’s 2023 memoir.
At the time of his memoir’s release, Harry revealed he was not currently on speaking terms with his brother.
The release of the memoir was scheduled for January 10, 2023, a day after Kate’s 41st birthday.
In March 2024, when Kate made her cancer diagnosis and treatment public, Harry and Meghan issued a public message of support.
“We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace,” they said via a spokesperson.
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 and Queen Camilla, Prince William and Princess 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.
