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Nacho Figueras Cuts Ties with Prince Harry Amid Allegations of Mistreatment Towards Horses
In recent years, Nacho Figueras and Prince Harry have often been seen together, showcasing their close friendship, especially during polo matches.
Figueras, a father of four, has been featured in the initial episodes of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Netflix documentary, highlighting their tight-knit circle.
The duo, who play on the same team at the Santa Barbara Polo Racquet Club, displayed a strong bond while engaging in the sport.
However, it seems that this camaraderie has come to an abrupt end.
At the end of 2022 and on March 4th, Nacho Figueras made a bold move by excluding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from his birthday celebration and polo team.
This decision stemmed from alleged mistreatment towards Figueras' wife by the royal couple.
Additionally, Figueras expressed his discontent with Harry reportedly not paying his share of polo fees and mishandling prized horses lent to him for matches.
The situation took a distressing turn when Figueras shared a video showing a horse named Drizzle bleeding from her sides, allegedly due to excessive spurring by Prince Harry during a match.
The horse later succumbed to a heart attack, leaving Figueras devastated.
The incident deeply impacted Figueras, leading to a permanent rift in his relationship with Prince Harry, whom he accused of neglecting proper care for the animals.
Figueras further criticized Prince Harry's lack of commitment to horse riding, highlighting concerns about his weight and riding technique.
He questioned the funding behind Harry's expensive polo hobby since relocating to the United States.
Figueras condemned Harry's behavior towards the horses, suggesting a potential disregard for animal welfare and displaying signs of narcissism and cruelty.
As the controversy unfolded, reports emerged about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle facing backlash for their use of private jets without compensating for the environmental impact.
Figueras, in a recent interview, distanced himself from the royal couple, emphasizing that their relationship is purely social.
When asked about Harry's potential visit to a polo match in New York City, Figueras hinted at a strained connection, indicating limited communication between them.
Despite being dubbed the “David Beckham of polo” and achieving global recognition as a top player, Figueras remains deeply rooted in his passion for the sport.
Hailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, he embarked on his polo journey at a young age under his father's guidance.
Transitioning to a professional career at 17, Figueras established himself as a prominent figure in the polo community, aligning with the White Birch Polo Team in Bridgehampton, New York.
The fallout between Nacho Figueras and Prince Harry underscores the complexities of personal relationships within the elite circles of polo and royalty.
The controversy sheds light on ethical considerations in sportsmanship and animal welfare, prompting reflection on the responsibilities of public figures.
Despite the rift, Figueras remains dedicated to his craft, embodying a commitment to the integrity and well-being of the sport he holds dear.