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Updated 19 April 2026 - The Duke and Duchess of Sussex concluded a four-day private trip to Australia's east coast, drawing far less public attention than their 2018 royal tour but stirring debate over security costs and commercial activities.
A subdued return
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wrapped up their visit to Australia on Sunday, marking their first trip to the country since stepping back as senior royals in 2020. Unlike their 2018 tour-when crowds of tens of thousands greeted them across multiple cities-this visit was noticeably quieter. Most Australians interviewed by the BBC expressed indifference or unawareness of the couple's presence.
The trip included engagements with Indigenous communities, mental health advocacy, and a visit to the Australian War Memorial, mirroring the structure of a traditional royal tour. However, as private citizens, the Sussexes avoided large public walkabouts, opting instead for controlled appearances to minimize negative reactions or protests.
Security costs and public backlash
Controversy emerged over reports that Australian taxpayers might cover part of the security costs for the couple's public events. Associate Professor Giselle Bastin of Flinders University, who studies Australia's relationship with the monarchy, noted that the visit's success hinged on its uneventful execution. "They've managed to minimize risks by avoiding highly publicized appearances," she said.
Critics argued that some of the couple's commercial ventures appeared tone-deaf amid Australia's cost-of-living crisis. A Sydney Morning Herald columnist remarked, "Australia was good to Harry and Meghan. Now they want to use us as an ATM."
Personal connections and advocacy
Despite the muted public response, the Sussexes engaged deeply with individuals during their visit. Harry met Michelle Haywood, daughter of war widow Daphne Dunne, who presented him with a photo of her late mother-a woman he had met during a 2015 visit. "He remembered their encounters vividly, even recalling a rainy day," Haywood told reporters.
Meghan also demonstrated warmth, comforting survivors of the 2024 Bondi Beach attack and sharing stories with children, including one about her kids' love for the book Diary of a Wombat. The couple's press releases emphasized themes of "connection" (mentioned 30 times) and "community" (21 times), reflecting their focus on personal engagement over formal royal protocol.
Mental health and online abuse
Mental health was a recurring theme. Meghan disclosed that she had been "the most trolled person in the world" for a decade, highlighting the harms of online bullying. The couple also discussed the pressures of royal life, with Harry speaking at a mental health summit about coping with his mother Princess Diana's death. Tickets for the event cost nearly A$1,000 (£520), though organizers declined to confirm whether Harry received a fee.
Commercial ventures and transparency
The trip's business aspects drew scrutiny. Meghan was paid for an appearance at a luxury "girls-only" retreat, where VIP tickets cost A$3,199 (£1,725). She was also unveiled as an investor in OneOff, an AI fashion platform that profits from celebrity endorsements, including her own curated style selections.
Additionally, Meghan filmed an unpaid episode of MasterChef Australia, though her Netflix food show and lifestyle brand As Ever-which includes cookware and table linen-suggest broader commercial interests. A pre-tour briefing acknowledged "private engagements to support commercial, charitable, and community objectives," but details remained vague.
Defenders and detractors
Supporters praised the couple's charitable work. Michael Hartung, CEO of Invictus Australia, credited their visit with accelerating the organization's outreach by "years," calling it a "significant impact" on veterans' programs. Fans like Lisa Perry, who met the Sussexes in Sydney, defended their right to monetize their brand. "They've chosen their path," Perry said. "They should be allowed to make a living."
Others, like Melbourne local Vida Benic, welcomed the couple warmly. "Our arms and hearts are open to them-and to their children," she said.
What's next
The Sussexes' future plans remain unclear, though their 8.7 million Instagram followers (@sussexroyal) provide a platform for advocacy and potential ventures. With their deals with Spotify and Netflix concluded, the couple may seek new opportunities to balance public service with financial independence.
