Prince Harry and Meghan Markle anticipate a warm welcome during their upcoming trip to Australia, but shifting public sentiment suggests otherwise. The couple plans to visit next month, aiming to recapture the enthusiasm of their 2018 tour.
Background of the 2018 Tour
During their 16-day visit to Australia in October 2018, the newly married couple enjoyed widespread support. Meghan’s pregnancy announcement boosted the positive reception, creating a wave of goodwill across the country.
Royal Family Scandals Influence Sentiment
Recent developments involving Prince Andrew have fueled anger, particularly in Commonwealth nations. Documents from the Jeffrey Epstein case highlight behavior by Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, sparking outrage. Images of the 66-year-old prince leaving a police station after questioning on suspicion of misconduct in public office circulated globally.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese informed UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer that his government supports removing Andrew from the line of royal succession, where he currently ranks eighth.
Details of the Upcoming Event
Meghan, 44, will headline a women-only weekend retreat in Sydney, organized by the Her Best Life podcast founders Gemma O’Neill and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson. Tickets start at £1,400 per person for the 300-attendee event, which features a psychologist, yoga, sound healing, meditation, manifestation sessions, a disco, and a gala dinner. VIP ticket holders receive front-row seats and a group photo with the duchess.
This announcement follows the end of Meghan’s lifestyle brand As Ever’s £75 million partnership with Netflix, which began in 2020.
Australian Media Reactions
Sky News Australia described the event with the headline ‘Desperate for relevance’ and called it ‘utterly nauseating.’ Commentator Mark Dolan from TalkTV noted that the 2018 tour succeeded because Australians were less familiar with Meghan at the time. He added, ‘They know her now and what do they know her to be? A gold-digging grifter.’
Unlike their previous royal tour, Harry, 41, and Meghan no longer hold working royal status after relocating to California. Their global travels now focus on private ventures rather than official duties.
