Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have revealed their upcoming journey to Australia for a series of engagements. This trip will mark the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s first visit to Australia in more than seven years.
Although the full schedule is not yet finalized, a spokesperson for the couple confirmed that they will be visiting Sydney and Melbourne in mid-April. Prince Harry and Meghan will each participate in significant solo engagements during their stay. Harry will be focusing on mental health in his address, while Meghan will be attending a special ‘girl’s retreat’ event in Sydney.
While this trip is not an official royal visit since the couple stepped back from their royal responsibilities in 2020, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond suggests that Harry and Meghan might leverage their royal connections to make an impact in Australia.
Jennie mentioned that the timing of the trip could raise questions within the Palace, as it might coincide with other major royal events. She speculated on the potential clash with commemorations for the late Queen’s 100th birthday.
This visit aligns with the Sussexes’ desire to support charities while maintaining some distance from the Royal Family, a goal they pursued when they departed from their royal duties six years ago.
Both Harry and Meghan are set to engage in various activities during their Australian visit. Harry’s focus on workplace mental health resonates deeply with him, with proceeds from his event directed towards crisis support and suicide prevention. Meghan’s involvement in women’s empowerment activities includes a luxurious ‘girl’s weekend’ retreat with expensive ticket prices that cover exclusive access to various events.
Jennie highlighted Meghan’s strategic use of her royal title to enhance her lifestyle brand through this high-end event. She also raised questions about the couple’s financial objectives for the trip and the potential implications of commercializing Meghan’s royal status.
Despite the uncertainties, Harry and Meghan’s commitment to publicizing causes they care about and leveraging their profile for both advocacy and financial gain reflects their decision to step back from official royal duties. The success of this trip holds significance for their evolving roles beyond the traditional royal sphere.