“Harry’s Polo Event in Singapore: A Royal Flop or Charitable Misstep?”
When Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, took to the polo field in Singapore on August 12, 2023, expectations were high. The event, held in aid of disadvantaged young people affected by HIV and AIDS, was part of a broader mission Prince Harry had adopted, following in the footsteps of his late mother, Princess Diana, who was a tireless advocate for raising awareness about the disease. However, despite the noble cause behind the match, the event ended in disappointment, with reports suggesting that the stadium was practically empty, and audiences were notably absent. What was meant to be a day of philanthropy and sport turned into a puzzling PR misstep, raising questions about Harry’s relevance in Asia and the impact of his charity efforts.
The charity polo match was held for the benefit of Sentebale, a charitable organization founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. Sentebale focuses on helping vulnerable children and young people affected by HIV in Southern Africa. This particular event was intended to raise both awareness and funds for the charity’s important work. Harry, a seasoned polo player, has often participated in charity polo matches, using the sport as a platform to draw attention to his causes. In Singapore, the event was supposed to follow a similar blueprint.
Paired with longtime friend and famed Argentinian polo player Nacho Figueras, Harry’s team played against a local Singaporean polo team. The match ended in a 7-7 draw, with both Harry and Figueras scoring goals. Despite the match ending in a tie, Prince Harry was awarded a trophy in recognition of his participation and the event’s symbolic significance. But while the game on the field seemed to progress without a hitch, something much more critical was missing—the spectators.
According to reports from local Singaporean media, the stadium hosting the event was nearly deserted. In a stark contrast to the grandeur and excitement typically associated with royal appearances, tickets for the polo match were returned by spectators in large numbers before the event even began. Reports indicated that around 260 people had left the venue before the match kicked off. Videos from the event show a near-empty stadium, raising questions about the event’s organizational planning, the appeal of Prince Harry in the region, and the overall enthusiasm (or lack thereof) for polo in Singapore.
While the lack of attendance might seem trivial at first glance, it points to larger issues at play. The organizers had planned to use proceeds from ticket sales to reward the winning team and fund the charity. With the stadium empty, one wonders how much money, if any, was raised for Sentebale. The costs of organizing such an event, especially one that involved transporting polo ponies and arranging logistics in a region where polo is not a popular sport, further complicate the picture. The question on everyone’s mind is: Was this simply a rich person’s opportunity to play polo in an exotic location under the guise of charity?
One of the key factors in the event’s apparent failure was its cultural disconnect with Singapore. Polo is not a sport with a strong following in Southeast Asia. Singapore, a city-state known for its efficient urban planning and affluent society, has a well-educated population, but polo remains a niche interest, often associated with elite circles. Most Singaporeans do not own horses, and the sport lacks historical significance or broad public interest in the region. Additionally, Singapore’s equestrian scene is much smaller compared to other countries where polo is more established, such as Argentina or the UK.
The idea of organizing a charity polo event in a country where the sport holds little appeal seems misguided from the start. Some have criticized the event as out-of-touch with local preferences, suggesting that a different type of event—one more aligned with Singapore’s interests—could have drawn a larger crowd. For example, arts festivals, cultural exhibitions, or environmental campaigns may have resonated more with the local populace.
Another contributing factor to the low attendance might be the timing of the event. Singapore is known for its hot and humid climate, and organizing an outdoor event in August, one of the hottest months of the year, could have discouraged attendance. As one local observer pointed out, “No one in their right mind is just going to stand in the heat and watch that with the dirt and smells.” The conditions may have played a significant role in driving potential spectators away.
Adding to the event’s complexity is the looming shadow of Prince William, Harry’s elder brother, and the anticipated success of his own upcoming visit to Singapore. William and Kate, the Prince and Princess of Wales, are set to visit Singapore later in 2023 as part of William’s Earthshot campaign, which focuses on environmental conservation. The Earthshot Prize has garnered global attention, and the campaign’s goals align closely with the values of many Singaporeans, who take pride in their country’s green initiatives and sustainability efforts.
William’s trip is widely expected to be well-received, with a robust, respectful engagement between the royal couple and their Singaporean hosts. Some have speculated that Harry’s trip, which came months before William’s scheduled visit, was an attempt to preemptively draw attention away from his brother. However, the two events could not be more different in tone and reception. Whereas William’s Earthshot campaign is seen as thoughtful and genuinely aligned with global causes, Harry’s polo event feels more like a PR stunt aimed at maintaining visibility, particularly in a region where his influence is not as strong.
Ultimately, the failure of Prince Harry’s charity polo event in Singapore raises deeper questions about his current standing in the global public eye. Once a beloved member of the British royal family, Harry’s decision to step back from royal duties and move to the United States has significantly impacted his public image. His tell-all memoir, Spare, and the Netflix series about his life with Meghan Markle have left him both criticized and admired by different segments of the public.
In Asia, particularly in places like Singapore, Harry may not hold the same appeal that he does in Western countries. Southeast Asia does not have the same historical ties to the British royal family, and as such, the enthusiasm for royal figures can vary dramatically. William and Kate, who have focused on global environmental initiatives and cultivated a more polished, traditional royal image, seem to connect more readily with international audiences.
The empty stadium at Prince Harry’s charity polo event in Singapore is a stark reminder that even royals cannot rely solely on their titles to draw crowds. Cultural context, thoughtful planning, and genuine engagement with local communities are essential for any charitable effort to succeed. Whether this event was simply a misstep in planning or a reflection of larger issues facing Prince Harry’s global appeal, one thing is certain: the next time he attempts to host a charitable event in an unfamiliar region, more research and understanding will be necessary.
As the dust settles from this poorly attended polo match, the hope remains that Sentebale, the true beneficiary of the event, will still receive the funds and support it needs to continue its valuable work. For Prince Harry, however, the lesson may be one of humility—recognizing that even the most well-meaning initiatives need to be grounded in a deeper understanding of the audience they aim to reach.
