Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been advised to be prepared for potential criticism during their upcoming visit to Australia next month. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are scheduled to engage in a series of private, business, and philanthropic activities in Sydney and Melbourne in mid-April, including events involving Australia’s armed forces and veterans.
Their previous visit to Australia, shortly after their wedding nearly eight years ago, attracted large crowds, but opinions about the couple have reportedly shifted since then. Speculation suggests that Harry and Meghan may not receive the same warm reception as before.
An insider commented that there are likely to be mixed reactions from monarchists and republicans regarding the royal visit, sparking debates about the monarchy. The couple’s visit coincides with King Charles’ recent trip to the United States, causing some unease among officials.
Royal journalist Tom Sykes noted that Harry and Meghan are expected to be focal points in Australia’s ongoing discussions about the royal family and the country’s constitutional future. It is anticipated that the couple will face challenges upon their arrival in a country where a warm welcome is no longer guaranteed.
A spokesperson for the Sussexes confirmed their plans to visit Australia for various engagements in mid-April, while mentioning that their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, will remain in Montecito, California. The insider also mentioned previous interactions between Australian officials and the royal family, hinting at the intricate dynamics surrounding the upcoming visit.