In the ever-evolving saga of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the couple continues to capture the public’s attention, although for reasons that may not be as glamorous as they hoped. Since their dramatic exit from royal duties in January 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been in the spotlight more than ever, thanks in large part to their lucrative $100 million deal with Netflix. Their latest offering, a five-part documentary series called “Polo,” recently premiered, but it seems viewers are more focused on Harry’s receding hairline than the sport itself.
The documentary features a brief appearance by the couple, but it was Harry’s thinning hair that became the hot topic of conversation. Social media has been flooded with comments and memes, highlighting the visible baldness that has become increasingly apparent. One user humorously remarked on Twitter: “Holy Guacamole! Netflix CGI botched this image. Shave it, Haz,” capturing the essence of the online discussions surrounding the series.
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As Harry approaches his 40th birthday, the reality of hair loss seems to be hitting him hard. It’s a struggle that many men face as they age, and Harry is no exception. His brother, Prince William, has spoken openly about his own struggles with hair loss, making it a shared experience between the two brothers. As scrutiny intensifies, some wonder whether this commonality could pave the way for reconciliation between them.
The Duke of Sussex continues to face close media scrutiny
The documentary itself, however, was not well received by critics. The Guardian’s Stuart Heritage delivered a scathing two-star review, describing the series as “noise and niche”, suggesting it was more of a parody than a serious documentary. He went on to say that it seemed more suited to background noise during episodes of popular shows like “Succession.” Similarly, Joel Keller of Decider dismissed “Polo” as “a rather dull look at a sport that particularly interests very few people outside of elite circles.”
These unsavory criticisms are nothing new for the Sussexes. Their previous Netflix projects, including the 2022 documentary series “Harry & Meghan,” received mixed reviews, indicating a trend of mixed receptions for their media projects. The couple’s constant presence in the media since stepping down from royal duties has led to some public fatigue. With each new release, viewers seem more eager to criticize than celebrate.
The focus on Harry’s hair loss may also reflect broader societal attitudes toward aging and masculinity. While many men suffer from hair loss, the reaction to Harry’s baldness highlights the intense pressure public figures face regarding their appearance. For a royal, whose image has been meticulously cared for for years, this sudden change to a more vulnerable state can be difficult to handle.
As the couple continues to explore new ventures in the entertainment industry, the question remains whether they can move away from these unflattering reviews and regain public favor. Perhaps this shared challenge of hair loss could even serve as a bridge for Harry and William to repair their strained relationship. After all, if there’s one thing that can unite brothers, it’s the common woes of aging.
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With the release of “Polo,” it seems that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are still very much in the public eye, but not necessarily in the way they envisioned. As they navigate the complexities of fame, family and their evolving identities outside of the royal family, it will be interesting to see how they adapt to the ever-watchful gaze of the media and public.
As Harry deals with the fallout from his latest Netflix project, one thing is clear: the focus isn’t just on the sports he loves, but also the personal challenges he faces as he moves away from its royal roots.