In the world of polo, friendships can be as intricate as the game itself.
Recently, renowned polo player Nacho Figueras stirred curiosity with an Instagram post hinting at an upcoming polo event in Saudi Arabia, which he mentioned would benefit Centel.
However, a closer look at the details surrounding the Centel-ISPS Handa Polo Cup 2024 at the Sal Polo Club reveals a glaring omission—Prince Harry’s name was conspicuously absent.
This exclusion has led many to speculate that highlighting Harry as a patron could be seen as a contentious move.
This isn’t the first instance where Figueras appears to have distanced himself from Prince Harry.
Last year, during the Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo Show in Queensland, Figueras made headlines for what seemed like an intentional snub.
Arriving at Sydney Airport with his wife Delfina Blackear and their daughter Alba, he exuded style and confidence, seemingly ready for the glamorous event.
Yet, the notable absence of Harry and Meghan Markle sparked rumors that they weren’t invited at all, leaving Harry feeling somewhat forsaken by his long-time friend.
Once thick as thieves, the bond between Figueras and Harry, which dates back to 2007, seems to be fraying at the edges.
Sources close to the situation suggest that Harry might be feeling overlooked, almost as if he’s forgotten how to navigate the polo scene without Figueras’s guidance.
While Harry and Meghan were left out of the festivities, Zara Tindall, another royal and cousin to Harry, received an invitation and even participated in a celebrity polo match against Figueras, capturing the attention of both polo aficionados and royal watchers.
Despite Figueras’s public declarations of support for Harry and Meghan, the friendship seems to be facing turbulence.
Reports indicate that Figueras and his wife have chosen to create some distance from the Sussexes.
A particular incident may have fueled this rift; it was reported that Meghan dominated the spotlight during a prize-giving ceremony, positioning herself as the only spouse on stage with the players.
This reportedly left Delfina feeling neglected and exasperated, setting the stage for a cooling of relations between the two couples.
Adding fuel to the fire, financial strains have also emerged as a significant factor in this evolving narrative.
Recent reports suggest that Figueras has been covering Harry’s polo-related expenses, which include club fees and horse costs.
Allegedly, Harry has been spending upwards of $100,000 a month on polo, and Figueras is reportedly no longer willing to shoulder the financial burden of his friend’s extravagant hobby.
Moreover, Figueras has expressed dissatisfaction with Harry’s recent behavior.
The Duke has been labeled as demanding and challenging to work with, raising eyebrows among those in the polo community.
Friends close to Figueras have noted their disappointment in witnessing Harry’s transformation from a carefree young man into someone who appears increasingly self-absorbed.
The friendship that once thrived on mutual support and camaraderie now seems to be teetering on the brink.
Figueras’s recent actions, coupled with the reported financial tensions, underscore a widening gap between the two.