The News
**Prince Harry’s Close Friend Cuts Ties Over Polo Ponies Scandal**
Prince Harry's close friend, Nacho Figueras, has reportedly severed ties with the Duke of Sussex after revealing that Meghan Markle encouraged Harry to sell his prized polo horses.
The decision resulted in a staggering loss of $4 million, sparking speculation about the true motives behind Nacho's abrupt distancing.
The maintenance costs for these elite Po'o Ponies are exorbitant, amounting to approximately $190,000 per horse, with additional expenses for their hay reaching unforeseen heights.
Allegations suggest that the Sussexes have been grappling with financial constraints since relinquishing their royal duties.
Despite rumors of monetary struggles, the couple recently acquired a lavish estate in Montecito valued at $14.65 million through a discreet off-market transaction in June.
This acquisition, coupled with extravagant expenditures such as private jet travel and Meghan's opulent wardrobe, which recently showcased over $121,000 worth of new attire, has raised eyebrows regarding their financial stability.
The rift between Nacho and Harry may stem from the financial strain caused by the upkeep of the expensive polo ponies, coupled with the couple's lavish spending habits.
The duo initially bonded over their shared passion for polo and charitable endeavors, with Harry becoming involved in Centibale, an organization co-founded by the prince to aid HIV-affected children, under Nacho's ambassadorship in 2007.
Notable absences of Harry from Nacho's social gatherings, including his birthday and New Year's parties, have fueled speculations about a potential fallout.
Reports suggest that Harry's financial commitments towards meeting Meghan's beauty standards have left him financially stretched, jeopardizing his ability to sustain the costly polo pony services he once indulged in.
Additionally, scrutiny over Meghan's extravagant wardrobe expenditure, surpassing even that of Kate Middleton, further adds to the financial scrutiny faced by the Sussexes.
Controversy surrounding Harry's treatment of his polo ponies has also surfaced, with accusations of negligence and cruelty towards the animals.
The tragic demise of Drizzle, a pony used by both Prince William and Prince Harry for polo matches, has intensified public scrutiny.
Reports indicate that Harry continued playing despite Drizzle's distress, leading to the pony's fatal heart attack, fueling allegations of mistreatment.
Further allegations suggest that Harry may have appropriated two of Nacho's horses, exacerbating tensions between the former friends.
The intricate financial intricacies of maintaining multiple high-value horses, combined with the Sussexes' dwindling financial resources post-royalty, paint a challenging picture for their future sustainability.
In a candid revelation during an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Harry disclosed feeling financially cut off by his family, relying on his inheritance from Princess Diana to navigate their newfound independence.
The cracks in Harry and Nacho's relationship underscore the complexities of balancing personal relationships, financial obligations, and public scrutiny within the royal sphere.
The fallout between the two figures raises questions about the influence of Meghan Markle on Harry's decisions and relationships, prompting speculation and debate among observers.