As they release their polo Netflix show, insiders say Meghan Markle has been struggling to fit into Prince Harry’s sporting social scene

Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle are gearing up for the release of their new Netflix show, which will explore the world of polo and give ‘a behind-the-scenes look at the fast-paced and glamorous world of the sport’.

But while it’s a subject extremely close to Harry’s heart – having played the sport since he was a teenager – sources tell Closer that Meghan has struggled to fit in with his social scene, as she’s never bonded with the rest of the polo WAGs – leaving her feeling snubbed.

And as the series – which is produced by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and made by their production company Archewell – already faces criticism, an insider reveals, ‘Polo is Harry’s life, he put his heart and soul into this show and had huge hopes for it so the fact that it’s getting such terrible reviews has hit him very hard. Meghan is trying to be understanding but apparently, she’s somewhat relieved because she’s seeing this as an opportunity to convince Harry he should put more of his focus on other hobbies. She’d much rather he spends his free time surfing and hiking.’

A source says Meghan doesn’t feel part of Harry’s polo world ©Jason Koerner/Getty Images for Sentebale

They continue, ‘Obviously, she can’t ban Harry from playing polo, but it’s no secret she’d rather it not be front and centre in their lives, mostly because she hasn’t really gelled with most of the WAGs. She was expecting it to be this great social opportunity, but it really hasn’t been, at least not for her. She’s not expecting him to totally move on from polo, but she’d like him to dial it back and put his attention on other things, and the harsh reality is that’s more likely now.’

Harry’s polo home club is the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club in California, near to the couple’s Montecito mansion where they live with their children Archie, five, and Lilibet, three. Earlier this year, Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, were pictured packing on the PDA as they attended a glitzy charity polo match in Miami, Florida. However, Meghan sparked an awkward moment at the event, as she was seen asking a woman not to pose next to Harry for a picture on stage after he won the tournament. She requested that she moved to the middle of the group, so that she could be next to her husband instead.

While Harry was mingling with long-term pal Nacho Figueras – who is dubbed the ‘David Beckham of polo’ and considered to be the most famous player in the world – along with other guests, Meghan was kept company by her close friend and tennis star Serena Williams. The couple were also joined by a camera crew at the event to capture scenes for their Netflix docuseries, which will air on December 10. However, while they were heavily involved in filming, they do not appear on screen.

The pair are used to brushing off backlash ©Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty

Last month, the trailer for the series was released ahead of its launch date, with many branding it ‘cheesy’ and ‘cringe’. One social media user said, ‘Although their role as executive producers is flagged full screen in the opening credits, the cheesy trailer does not feature an appearance by either Harry or Meghan.’ Another said, ‘How cheesy and cringe… who is seriously going to watch this “elite” clueless people playing polo. This is horrifically BAD.’ Others also compared it to ‘a scripted reality TV show’.

Our source says that while they’re trying to brush off the backlash, it’s difficult not to take it personally. ‘Harry and Meghan are putting a brave face and saying it’s a good bit of fun and ultimately not something to get worked up about. As far as they’re concerned it’s very unfair they’re catching heat, they take issue with people who roll their eyes and call them reality TV sellouts. People haven’t even seen the whole series and they’re already tearing it down and they fully believe the harsh reaction is simply down to their association with it,’ they explain.

‘But of course, it’s yet another slap in the face for them and it’s difficult, especially for Meghan, not to take it to heart. It’s common knowledge among her friends that she sees herself as a very serious figure in the entertainment business. She and Harry have geared their brand around being classy and intelligent. They want to be seen as respected producers, but it looks as though it’s starting to sink in that this type of project hasn’t done them any favours as far as being taken seriously by their peers.’

The prince has always been a keen polo player ©Matt Jelonek/Getty Images for Sentebale

The insider continues, ‘Meghan knows it doesn’t really matter how she and Harry feel about it, perception is everything and now online forums are burning up with people ridiculing them. Truth is, it was pretty much out of their control. The bosses wanted the series to appeal to the masses and pushed this reality TV slant so it’s not entirely their fault. But it’s starting to feel like a big mistake. It’s pretty ironic because they’ve always acted so above this sort of thing and now, here they are producing the exact type of content they’ve always looked down on.’

The new show comes amid Harry and Meghan’s ongoing $100 million deal with streaming giant Netflix. The couple have already released three series, including Heart Of Invictus, Live To Lead and Harry & Meghan.

Are Harry and Meghan regretting their new show? ©KOLA SULAIMON/AFP via Getty Images

And our source adds that Meghan may now be regretting branching out to a different genre of show. ‘When Meghan and Harry put out their docuseries a couple of years ago, she made this big deal about how it wasn’t going to be anything like reality TV. But they’ve obviously had to eat some humble pie and “lower” themselves to this level. People are wondering what happened to their mandate to put out inspiring content,’ they say.

‘Sure, compromises are all part of the Hollywood game and Meghan’s been around long enough to know that, but the reaction to this has got her seriously regretting giving in to the pressure. Her enemies are all snickering that this has gone and knocked her off her holier than thou high horse, and there’s not much she can say to defend herself.’