Prince Harry and Meghan Markle gear up for a return to Australia next month, but signs point to a cooler reception compared to their triumphant 2018 tour.
Royal Scandals Stir Commonwealth Tensions
Revelations from the Jeffrey Epstein files involving Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have ignited outrage across Commonwealth countries. Images of the 66-year-old Duke of York departing a police station after questioning on suspicion of misconduct in public office reached audiences worldwide.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese conveyed to UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer that his government supports Prince Andrew’s removal from the line of royal succession, where he holds the eighth position.
Recalling the 2018 Tour
The couple’s 16-day visit to Australia in October 2018 drew massive public enthusiasm, amplified by Meghan’s pregnancy announcement at the time.
This upcoming trip differs significantly, as the Sussexes no longer serve as working royals. They reside in California and focus on independent projects after stepping back from royal duties.
Details of Meghan’s Sydney Appearance
Meghan plans to attend a women-only weekend retreat in Sydney, organized by the Her Best Life podcast, created by Gemma O’Neill and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson. Tickets begin at £1,400 per person for the 300-person event, which includes sessions with a psychologist, yoga, sound healing, a disco, meditation, and manifestation activities.
Meghan will deliver a speech at the gala dinner, where VIP attendees gain front-row seating and a group photo with the duchess.
Australian Media Reactions
Sky News Australia covered the event under the headline ‘Desperate for relevance’ and labeled it ‘utterly nauseating.’
TalkTV host Mark Dolan remarked, ‘The reason why it went that well in 2018 is because they didn’t know Meghan Markle very well. They know her now and what do they know her to be? A gold-digging grifter.’
Recent Business Update
The Sydney retreat announcement coincides with Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, concluding its £75 million partnership with Netflix that started in 2020.
