The Duchess of Sussex posed a poignant question to VIP attendees at an exclusive Sydney retreat: “I’ve spent all my life investing in women, can I finally invest in me?” during a 90-minute Q&A session.
Details of the Her Best Life Retreat
Meghan Markle wrapped up her four-day Australia visit with Prince Harry at the Her Best Life event held Friday at the InterContinental hotel near Coogee Beach. Guests paid up to £1,700 for premium tickets, securing front-row seats, photos with the Duchess, and a gala dinner featuring Hiramasa kingfish tostada, burrata, Angus beef tenderloin, free-range chicken, and mango passionfruit pavlova.
Organizers compensated £120,000 for her appearance. Prince Harry joined the event, standing to kiss his wife and assist her onstage. Meghan opted for a cashmere tank from Australian label Scanlan & Theodore, beige trousers, and nude heels.
Notable attendees included radio hosts Jackie O Henderson and Carrie Bickmore, reality star Megan Towner, and Meghan’s friend Gemma O’Neill, a talent manager. A no-filming policy applied, though a photographer documented highlights.
One attendee remarked that Meghan positioned herself as “an antidote for everything online that was vicious, venomous and unfairly cruel.” She credited Harry with keeping her safe, including during a Botswana date amid wildlife.
Reflections on Public Life and Motherhood
Meghan described her public life as “very difficult,” attributing criticism to others’ projections. The past decade—marked by her wedding and births of Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four—faced intense scrutiny. Motherhood instilled perspective and patience, essential “given what our life is like.”
Early Departure from Sydney
Attendees anticipated a 7:45 a.m. yoga class and breakfast Saturday, but Meghan and Harry departed discreetly at 7:20 a.m. via underground car park in a motorcade of police BMW and Range Rovers. They boarded a 9 a.m. American Airlines flight to Los Angeles, arriving Saturday morning California time to reunite with their children at their Montecito home.
Bondi Beach Visit and Fashion Partnership
Earlier, the couple met volunteer first responders from Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club. Meghan appeared moved while hearing from survivors of the December antisemitic attack that killed 15, embracing Jessica Chapnik Kahn, who shielded her five-year-old daughter.
The trip drew scrutiny for commercial elements, including Meghan’s investor role and sales partnership with AI fashion site OneOff. She earns 10-25% commissions on promoted items, such as her Bondi survivor meeting outfit. The company highlighted her fashion passion and support for designers.
