Empty Stadium: Harry Maddow’s Polo Event in Singapore Fails to Draw Crowds

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, recently participated in a polo match in Singapore to raise funds for Centrebell, his charity supporting young people affected by HIV and AIDS.

The event, held on August 12th, was a tribute to his late mother, Princess Diana.

Riding for the Royal Salute Centrebell team, Harry competed against a Singapore-based club led by his close friend and Argentinian polo player, Nacho Figueras.

The match ended in a 7-7 draw, with both Harry and Figueras scoring goals.

Following the game, the Duke was presented with a trophy.

However, despite the noble cause behind the event, it seems that Singaporeans were not eager to attend.

According to a local Asian magazine, the stadium remained empty as spectators returned their tickets to the organizers.

This raises questions about the effectiveness of using ticket sales as a means to generate donations for the charity.

It appears that affluent individuals in Singapore may not have been interested in watching Prince Harry play polo and decided to stay home instead.

Perhaps the lack of enthusiasm can be attributed to the fact that polo is not a widely followed sport in Southeast Asian nations, including Singapore, which has a small land area and limited equestrian tradition.

Critics argue that organizing a polo match in Singapore was an odd choice, suggesting that art shows, which are more popular and air-conditioned, would have been a more suitable option.

They question the motive behind this event, speculating that it may have been primarily driven by PR considerations.

The absence of Asian participants in the match further fuels this perception, leading some to view the entire endeavor as a mere publicity stunt, with Asia serving as a backdrop.

In contrast, Prince William's upcoming trip to Singapore, scheduled later this year, is expected to be more successful.

His visit, part of the Earthshot campaign, has garnered significant attention and support.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are set to engage genuinely with their hosts, ensuring a respectful and meaningful interaction.

It is anticipated that William's trip will overshadow Harry's, as it aligns with a popular and well-received initiative.

Local news reports indicate that 260 people left the stadium before the match even began.

Video clips of the event confirm the absence of any spectators in the stands.

This raises concerns about the event's ability to generate funds for the charity, especially considering the costs associated with transporting polo ponies to Singapore.

Some critics question whether this event was merely an opportunity for wealthy individuals to play polo in an exotic location under the guise of charity.

In conclusion, Prince Harry's polo event in Singapore failed to attract a crowd, leaving the stadium empty and raising doubts about its effectiveness in generating donations.

Critics argue that the choice of polo as a fundraising activity in a country with little interest in the sport was questionable.

In contrast, Prince William's upcoming trip to Singapore for the Earthshot campaign is expected to be more successful, drawing genuine engagement and support.

The outcome of these two royal visits highlights the importance of selecting appropriate activities that resonate with local communities and their interests.