Netflix drops Meghan and Harry teaser after Kate update
Source: Prince and Princess of Wales
Netflix has dropped a teaser for a production by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, just hours after the Princess of Wales opened up about her cancer journey.
In timing that has raised eyebrows, Netflix on Tuesday (AEST) promoted the documentary series POLO, which will premiere in December.
The series is from the Sussexes’ Archewell Productions and Boardwalk Pictures.
“POLO is a new documentary series that follows elite global players and offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the fast-paced world of the sport,” said Netflix’s post.
The update featured action photos of polo players on their horses on the field, and pictures behind the scenes in the stables.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex founded Archewell Productions in 2020 to produce TV, film, docos and podcasts with “illuminating thought-provoking and diverse narratives that underscore our common humanity and celebrate community”.
In April it was revealed that Prince Harry, who has played the equestrian sport for decades, was working on a documentary.
Tuesday’s update did not go down well with some fans who questioned the timing on the same day as the Princess of Wales shared a very personal video about her cancer and chemotherapy.
“You drop this just as Princess Catherine releases a video about her cancer treatment being finished,” noted one social media user on X.
Others questioned the choice of subject matter.
“With all that is going on in the world, do we really want to see how the elite waste their money on hitting a ball while on horseback when so many in the world are struggling to survive.”
However, some responded to the news with excitement.
“I can’t wait to discover POLO! This new documentary series will take us into the fascinating world of polo, with an exclusive look behind the scenes of this elite sport,” wrote one fan.
“Kudos to Archewell Productions and Boardwalk Pictures for this promising project!”
The Prince and Princess of Wales with their children in the new video update.
Kate’s major health update
Earlier on Tuesday, the Princess of Wales released a three-minute video updating the world on her health.
Catherine revealed she had finished her preventative chemotherapy for cancer, saying the treatment had given her a new perspective and made her grateful for “simply loving and being loved”.
Kate, 42, wife of heir-to-the-throne Prince William, had major abdominal surgery in January. It revealed the presence of cancer and she has been treated since then.
In a personal message accompanying a video of her with her husband and their three young children, Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte, Kate said she would carrying out some public engagements later this year, but said her path to full recovery would be long.
“As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” she said.
“The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.”
Kate made her first public appearance since her health issues emerged in June at the annual military parade to mark the King’s official birthday. In July, she appeared at the Wimbledon tennis championships.
Her office, Kensington Palace, has declined to give further details about the type of cancer or other specifics about her treatment, other than to say the chemotherapy began in February.
“The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you,” she said.
“With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.
“This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.”
In the video, which was filmed in Norfolk, eastern England last month, the princess looked well and healthy.
The film showed the family walking through woods, carrying a cricket bat and ball, and Kate lying on a beach next to William. In other footage she was shown pushing six-year-old Louis on a swing and being joined by her parents as they played a board game.
She and William were grateful for the global messages of support, she said, adding she was looking forward to returning to public duties when she was able, although her program for the remainder of the year will remain light.
“Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes,” the princess said.
“Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life … To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness can come light, so let that light shine bright.”
-with AAP