Saturday 21 May 2022 02:49 AM Prince Harry plays polo in California after claims over Netflix docuseries trends now
Prince Harry took a break from his alleged reality star lifestyle in order to return to his roots on Friday, when he made another appearance on the polo field in Santa Barbara - just days after it was claimed that he and Meghan Markle are filming a Kardashians-style docuseries as part of their $100 million Netflix deal.
Despite quitting his royal life in the UK, the 37-year-old once again proved that his passion for one of the country's most traditional sports remains just as strong as ever as he joined his teammates at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, where he was seen limbering up for the match with some stretches, before hitting the field.
The Duke of Sussex, who plays for the California-based team Los Padres, which lists him as Harry Wales on its roster, was pictured squatting and stretching out his arms in front of a team-branded tent ahead of the game, looking low-key and casual in a navy T-shirt and baseball cap.
Before hitting the field, Harry swapped his cap for a protective helmet, and traded his navy shirt for his team's green uniform, while also adding some kneepads, gloves, and riding boots.
The venue where Harry was playing is located close to the $14 million Montecito mansion where he lives with wife Meghan, 40, and their two children, three-year-old Archie and 11-month-old Lilibet, however there were no sign of the rest of his family at this week's game.
Prince Harry was pictured limbering up for a polo match on Friday, when he joined his teammates at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club for the latest in a series of games he is expected to play in the coming months
Harry's appearance on the polo field came just days after it was claimed that he and Meghan Markle have been filming an 'at-home with the Sussexes-style' docuseries for Netflix as part of their $100 million deal with the streaming giant
Despite quitting his royal life in the UK, Harry has maintained his passion for one of the country's most traditional sports - and according to Meghan's journalist pal Omid Scobie, he has committed to the entire 12-goal season with Los Padres
Friday's match marked the first round of the Lisle Nixon Cup, which will run until May 29 and will see the Duke - who is listed on the team as Harry Wales - returning to the field on Sunday
There was also no sign of any Netflix camera crews at the event - which comes just days after it was claimed that Harry and Meghan have been filming an 'at-home with the Sussexes-style' docuseries for Netflix as part of their $100 million deal with the streaming giant, which was inked in September 2020.
According to Page Six, the couple has already welcomed cameras into their sprawling Montecito home - although it is unclear whether their two children will feature in the series, which Netflix is reportedly hoping will be ready for release by the end of the year, in order to coincide with the publication of Harry's upcoming memoir.
But while news of the docuseries sparked much controversy and concern earlier this week over what allegations Harry and Meghan might air against the royal family, it looked to be the furthest thing from Harry's mind as he focused his attentions on the match.
Images taken during the sporting event show the Duke going through a range of emotions, at one point laughing happily while sitting atop his polo pony, before later looking stressed and even upset as his team fought to overcome their opponents, Mokarow Farms.
Friday's match was the first round of the Lisle Nixon Cup, which began today and will run until May 29. Harry and his Los Padres teammates are due to play their next match in the tournament on Sunday, when they will face Klentner Ranch.
The tournament was established in 1978 in 'honor of former Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club Manager Lisle Nixon', who passed away in 1977, the club's website explains.
Harry plays on the Los Padres team with his long-time friend Nacho Figueras, who was a guest at the Sussexes' May 2018 wedding and also serves as an ambassador for Sentebale, an organization founded by the Duke, which is dedicated to helping children and young people who or whose family’s suffer with HIV and AIDs in Lesotho, South Africa.
Last month, after the pair played in a tournament together at the Santa Barbara club, Nacho paid tribute to their long-lasting friendship on Instagram, writing: 'Thrilled to be riding alongside my friend, Prince Harry, and the rest of the Los Padres team at the Santa Barbara Polo Club's Harry East Memorial Tournament.
'We’ve ridden together many times over the years and now that we’re both parents, it’s extra special to be able to spend this time together.
After completing his warm-up, Harry changed out of his navy T-shirt and baseball cap and into his team's green uniform, while also adding a pair of riding boots, kneepads, gloves, and a protective helmet to his outfit
The father-of-two appeared to go through a series of different emotions during the match, smiling at one point - but later looking somewhat dejected, perhaps as a result of his team's loss
He seemed to be having a great time on the field however - although he had to go without the support of Meghan, 40, and their two children - three-year-old Archie and 11-month-old Lilibet, who were not seen at the venue
Harry has been playing polo since he was a young boy and has been playing regularly during the latest season in California
The Duke was seen chatting with his teammates throughout the game
'The name Los Padres was inspired by the proximity of the field to the Los Padres National Forest and also by our connection as fathers.'
But while the pair are seasoned pros when it comes to playing polo, their expertise - and indeed their long-time collaboration on the field - couldn't help them to secure a win and Los Padres ended up losing to their opponents 10-18.
Still, the pair will have plenty of other opportunities to achieve victory together on the polo field.
Earlier this month, Meghan's journalist pal Omid Scobie revealed that the Duke of Sussex is planning to play the entire 12-goal season with his Santa Barbara-based team.
The Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club has attracted beginners and advanced players since being established in 1911.
In the first week of May, the Finding Freedom author said that Harry was going to participate in the Folded Hills Pope Challenge between May 9 and 15, the Lisle Nixon Cup from May 20 to 29, as well as the Cheval Athletics USPA Intra-Circuit, which runs June 3 to 19.
Harry's commitment to the June tournament could mean that he is not planning to attend the entirety of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations - though he could still attend main events if his schedule permits it.
The jubilee bank
