The polo community was stunned this week when Nacho Figueras, a renowned player and close ally of Prince Harry, publicly criticized the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Long seen as a steadfast supporter of the couple, Figueras has now voiced his discontent with Harry and Meghan’s recent public denunciations of the British royal family.
His comments mark a significant shift, reflecting a growing frustration among those once sympathetic to the Sussexes.
The controversy ignited back in June 2023 during a revealing interview with a well-known U.S. television host.
In that session, Harry and Meghan unleashed a torrent of allegations against the royal family, claiming emotional neglect, racism, and a lack of support from the institution.
The revelations sent shockwaves through Buckingham Palace, triggering a public relations crisis that left many royal watchers feeling the couple had overstepped.
Initially, Figueras defended Harry and Meghan, urging the public to empathize with their struggles.
However, he has since changed his stance dramatically.
In a candid interview, Figueras expressed his profound disappointment with the couple’s ongoing criticism of the royals.
“I’ve stood by Harry and Meghan for a long time because they are my friends and I love them, but enough is enough,” he declared.
The polo star believes that the attacks on the royal family have crossed a line.
Figueras emphasized that loyalty should extend to those who have supported you.
He lamented the continued criticism aimed at figures like the Queen and the Prince of Wales, stating, “It’s unacceptable to keep attacking the queen, the prince of Wales, and others in this way.”
For him, maintaining friendships means standing up for the people who have shown you kindness, rather than blindly siding with a partner.
His concern for the Sussexes’ emotional state was palpable.
Figueras suggested that bitterness has overtaken their lives, overshadowing the goodwill they once enjoyed.
He has made personal attempts to counsel the couple, encouraging them to mend fences with the royal family.
Unfortunately, he feels these efforts have been ignored.
“Harry and Meghan seem to want to burn everything down,” he remarked, likening their current mindset to an insatiable thirst for revenge.
The polo star was particularly incensed by the couple’s latest explosive claims regarding Meghan’s treatment within the royal fold.
Figueras dismissed these accusations as outrageous and disconnected from reality.
He asserted that the Queen has consistently shown love and care toward Meghan, while the Prince of Wales worked hard to make her feel welcomed.
“It’s simply not true,” he insisted, countering the narrative presented by the Sussexes.
Moreover, Figueras warned that their relentless attacks could have dire consequences for the monarchy itself.
He expressed concern that airing private family grievances in public could erode the respect and affection the public holds for the crown.
“The Queen has dedicated her life to serving the British people with dignity,” he said, adding that it is painful to see her name dragged through the mud by those she once embraced.
In a moment of raw honesty, Figueras revealed his shame in calling Harry and Meghan his friends.
Despite reaching out multiple times to urge them to reconsider their combative stance, he feels unheard.
“I’ve told them, please, for the love of God, stop this madness,” he shared, hoping they would focus on positive contributions instead of perpetuating conflict.
When asked about the motivations behind the Sussexes’ actions, Figueras offered a sobering analysis.
He believes their behavior stems from a toxic mix of revenge and an inability to move forward.
“There’s a real element of resentment and bitterness there,” he explained, suggesting they feel wronged by the institution and are seeking payback while also struggling to heal.
The fallout from Figueras’ comments has reverberated through the royal fan community, with reactions ranging from shock to praise.
Some critics have accused him of betrayal, while others commend him for speaking out against what they perceive as harmful behavior.
Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace has remained silent on the matter, though experts believe Figueras’ intervention represents a serious blow to Harry and Meghan’s credibility.
As the public feud between the Sussexes and the royal family escalates, the impact of Figueras’ criticism remains to be seen.
Will this high-profile rebuke inspire any change in Harry and Meghan’s approach?
For now, the divide between the couple and the royal family appears to be widening, leaving many wondering if reconciliation is even possible.