Harry and Meghan Arrive in Australia for Four-Day Tour
Tour Overview
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex touched down in Australia for a four-day itinerary that merges charitable outreach with personal business ventures. No longer serving as official members of the royal family, they are participating in the trip as private individuals, with funding sourced independently. The schedule includes interactions with healthcare professionals, military veterans, and survivors of domestic violence, alongside opportunities for commercial engagement.
Schedule Details
Upon landing at Melbourne Airport on Tuesday at 06:30 local time (21:30 BST Monday), the couple traveled on a Qantas flight from Los Angeles. Their visit will span Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney, with a focus on causes they champion. However, unlike their 2018 trip, which drew massive public crowds, this time there are no planned public appearances.
Prince Harry is set to deliver a keynote address at the InterEdge Psychosocial Safety Summit in Melbourne. Attendees will pay between A$1,000 and A$2,400 for tickets, with some proceeds supporting the Lifeline charity. Meghan will host a women-only event in Sydney, featuring an “in-person conversation” at a luxury beachside wellness retreat. The “girls’ weekend” includes a VIP option priced at A$3,199, offering guests a chance to photograph with her.
Charity and Commerce
During their stay, the couple will meet patients and staff at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne. Hundreds of people gathered in the hospital’s foyer to welcome them, with attendees capturing moments of interaction. Emily Burke, a mother of a recently discharged child, shared, “We just found out they were coming so we hung around.” She noted Meghan’s engagement with her daughter, commenting on her Bluey slippers.
The visit also includes private meetings with organisations aligned with their interests. While the primary goal is to support charitable initiatives, the trip allows them to generate income through commercial events. Questions remain about whether public funds are covering additional security costs, as Victoria and New South Wales police have confirmed their involvement in ensuring safety during the visit.
Brand and Funding Questions
Australia is being viewed as a potential market for Meghan’s As Ever lifestyle brand, which has been featured in a Netflix documentary produced by their media company. Last year, the brand filed trademarks in 12 categories in the country. Though the couple has not disclosed their earnings from the events, they have opted for a more streamlined approach, prioritising organisational meetings over public meet-and-greets to reduce community impact.
“The New South Wales Police Force will conduct an operation to ensure public safety is maintained during the visit by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex,” said a police spokesperson. “The operation will require some additional security measures throughout their stay in New South Wales, while minimising any disruption to the community.”
As Ever’s expansion into Australia continues, the visit underscores their dual focus on advocacy and personal enterprise. The tour’s conclusion will feature a rugby match in Sydney, marking the end of their official schedule. For now, the couple’s private mission remains central to their activities across the nation.
