Harry and Meghan arrive in Australia for four-day tour

Harry and Meghan Begin Four-Day Australia Tour

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex touched down in Australia on Tuesday, marking their first visit to the country since 2018. Their itinerary spans Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney, blending community-focused activities with personal ventures aimed at generating revenue. Unlike their previous royal duties, this trip is conducted as private citizens, with no official titles or public events planned.

Charitable Engagements and Commercial Events

During the visit, the couple will engage with various groups, including children’s hospital patients, military veterans, and survivors of domestic violence. These interactions highlight their commitment to causes close to their hearts. However, the schedule also incorporates profit-driven opportunities, such as a keynote address by Prince Harry at the InterEdge Psychosocial Safety Summit in Melbourne. Tickets for the summit range from A$1,000 to A$2,400 per person, with some proceeds supporting the Lifeline charity.

“We just found out they were coming so we hung around,” said Emily Burke, who accompanied her three-year-old daughter Phoebe to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne. “Meghan came and had a little chat with Phoebe… she was commenting on her Bluey slippers.”

Additionally, Meghan will participate in a women-only “girls’ weekend” event in Sydney, hosted by the creators of the Her Best Life podcast. Attendees pay up to A$3,199 for the experience, which includes a group photo opportunity with the duchess. While details about her compensation remain undisclosed, the event has not yet sold out and is promoting a few extra rooms.

Funding and Public Safety

The couple’s trip is described as privately funded, but concerns have arisen about potential public expenses. Police in Victoria and New South Wales confirmed their presence to ensure safety during the visit. A spokesperson for the New South Wales Police Force stated, “The operation will require some additional security measures throughout their stay, while minimising any disruption to the community.” Victoria Police noted they were aware of the high-profile visit but would not confirm if taxpayer funds were involved.

Harry and Meghan stepped down from royal responsibilities in January 2020, opting for a more independent lifestyle. This shift has led to questions about the financial implications of their activities in Australia, including possible opportunities for Meghan’s As Ever brand. The brand, featured in a Netflix series produced by the couple’s company, has already registered trademarks across 12 product categories in the country.

Contrast with Previous Visit

In 2018, the couple spent nearly nine days in Australia, drawing massive crowds at every stop. This time, the focus is on streamlined engagements without public meet-and-greets. The tour concludes with a rugby match in Sydney on Friday evening, followed by Meghan’s wellness retreat event on Saturday.