The Senebel ISBS Handa Polo Cup, a charity event closely linked to Prince Harry, is facing a whirlwind of controversy as it gears up for its next edition.
Recent reports suggest that Nacho Figueras, the celebrated Argentine polo player and longtime friend of the Duke of Sussex, has played a pivotal role in the decision to exclude Harry from the upcoming event in Saudi Arabia.
This unexpected turn of events has left many raising their eyebrows and speculating about the state of their friendship.
Traditionally, the Senebel ISBS Handa Polo Cup has served as a significant platform for Prince Harry to garner support for his charity, Senebel.
This organization focuses on aiding children and young people grappling with poverty, inequality, and HIV-AIDS in Southern Africa.
However, a glance at the promotional materials for the 2024 event reveals a glaring omission—Prince Harry’s name is conspicuously absent.
This has ignited discussions about a possible rift between the two polo enthusiasts.
Figueras, who has been a steadfast ambassador for Senebel and has partnered with Harry in numerous charity matches, hinted at the forthcoming Saudi event via an Instagram story.
The lack of any mention of Prince Harry alongside this announcement has fueled speculation that he has been sidelined from the festivities.
What could have led to such a significant shift in the dynamics of their relationship?
Moreover, the choice to host the Senebel ISBS Handa Polo Cup in Saudi Arabia has drawn criticism from human rights advocates.
The kingdom’s record on human rights, particularly its treatment of dissenters, has long been a point of contention.
Some observers view this decision as controversial, raising concerns that it could overshadow the charitable intentions behind the event and the mission of the Senebel Foundation.
Sarah Leah Whitson, executive director of Democracy for the Arab World Now, expressed her apprehension regarding Prince Harry’s involvement in an event hosted in a nation with a notorious history of human rights violations.
For someone like Harry, who has passionately championed human rights, participating in such an event may seem contradictory to his values.
The speculation around Prince Harry’s exclusion from the polo cup also brings into question the nature of his friendship with Figueras.
The two have been close allies for years, with Figueras even standing as a groomsman at Harry’s wedding to Meghan Markle in 2018.
The current developments have led many to wonder whether there are hidden tensions between the two friends.
Royal commentator Penny Junner remarked on the surprising nature of this situation, noting that Harry and Figueras have always maintained a supportive bond.
The thought that Figueras might be the one orchestrating Harry’s exclusion raises questions about their friendship and whether something deeper may be at play.
Since its inception in 2006, the Senebel charity, co-founded by Prince Harry and Prince Siso of Lesotho, has been central to the Duke’s philanthropic efforts.
His commitment to helping vulnerable communities in Southern Africa has been unwavering, and the annual polo cup has been a vital fundraising event supporting this cause.
With the potential absence of Prince Harry from the 2024 Saudi event, the implications for the charity’s mission could be significant.
Supporters of Senebel have voiced their concerns that the unfolding controversy may detract from the essential work the organization undertakes.
One long-time donor lamented, “It’s a real shame if this situation overshadows the critical work that Senebel is doing.
Prince Harry has poured so much passion into this cause, and it would be a tremendous loss if he can’t participate in this event.”
As the drama unfolds, the future of the Senebel ISBS Handa Polo Cup hangs in the balance.
Will Prince Harry find a way to reclaim his role in this cherished charity event, or will the rift with Figueras mark a new chapter in their friendship?