Harry and Meghan are in Australia for a four-day visit
Harry and Meghan have arrived in Australia for a four-day visit that includes charity engagements and private events, all while facing public scrutiny and questions regarding funding.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have landed in Australia for a four-day visit that combines charitable activities with privately arranged commercial events, marking their first return to the country since 2018.
The couple, who resigned from their roles as working royals in 2020, arrived at Melbourne airport early Tuesday on a commercial flight from Los Angeles. Their itinerary includes Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney, where they will meet with patients, healthcare workers, military veterans, and survivors of family violence, in addition to engaging in paid speaking and wellness events.
At their initial visit to the Royal Children’s Hospital, the Duke and Duchess engaged with patients and their families, participating in activities and welcoming attendees. Many people assembled in the hospital foyer to see the couple. Emily Burke, one of the parents, shared, “We just found out they were coming, so we hung around,” and added, “Meghan came and had a little chat with Phoebe… she was commenting on her Bluey slippers.”
The visit encompasses a blend of philanthropic efforts and business interactions. Prince Harry is set to give a keynote address at the InterEdge Psychosocial Safety Summit in Melbourne, with tickets priced at up to A$2,400. Meghan is anticipated to lead an “in-person conversation” at a women-only wellness retreat in Sydney, where attendance packages are priced up to A$3,199. The extent of the couple’s earnings from these appearances is still uncertain.
At a women’s refuge in Melbourne, Meghan served meals and engaged with residents, later remarking, “We landed here this morning, so my jet lag hasn’t quite hit yet.” In the meantime, Harry took part in a garden therapy session at the hospital, humorously responding to the offer of a gum tree plant: “I would, but I think I’d probably get arrested at some point.”
In contrast to their 2018 royal tour, which attracted significant public crowds, the current visit lacks scheduled public meet and greet events. The couple is traveling in a private capacity and has indicated that the trip is privately funded. Nonetheless, people have raised concerns about the potential financial burden on Australian taxpayers regarding security and policing expenses.
Victoria and New South Wales officials have confirmed the establishment of security measures. A representative from New South Wales Police stated, “The New South Wales Police Force will carry out an operation to ensure public safety is upheld during the visit by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex,” further noting that the measures would seek to reduce disruption to the community.
In addition to formal activities, there are signs that Australia may emerge as a promising market for Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, which has recently broadened its trademark registrations in the region.
The visit occurs as public interest in Prince Harry has surged, following news of a continuing legal conflict related to Sentebale, the charity he co-founded, which has drawn significant media attention and public scrutiny regarding his philanthropic efforts and personal life.
