Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are heading to Australia for an unofficial tour, but early signs suggest a lack of interest in the royal couple’s appearances.
The Duke of Sussex is set to speak at a mental health summit in Melbourne, while his wife will host a retreat in Sydney.
Now, reports claim that discounted tickets and lingering availability have raised questions about demand, while public criticism and scrutiny over their visit continue to build ahead of their arrival.
Sussexes’ Australia Trip Faces Challenges As Harry’s Melbourne Event And Meghan’s $3K Retreat Struggle To Sell
Harry and Meghan Markle are set to arrive in Australia this week, but according to Sky News Australia, the couple’s trip is already in “peril” as early signs suggest their planned appearances may not be drawing the expected level of interest.
The couple will begin their visit in Melbourne on Thursday, kicking off an unofficial tour that includes separate speaking engagements. Harry, 41, is scheduled to headline a workplace mental health summit, while Meghan, 44, will host a live discussion event at a high-end retreat in Sydney.
In the lead-up to the Melbourne event, organizers of the InterEdge Summit have reduced ticket prices significantly, with passes now selling for roughly half of their original cost.
The two-day conference, held at Melbourne Park, will feature Harry alongside former tennis star Jelena Dokic and other speakers who will focus on mental health conversations.
Reports suggest Harry is expected to earn around $50,000 for the appearance, notably less than the reported seven-figure fee he received to attend a JP Morgan event in February 2020.
Meghan Markle’s Sydney Retreat Is Also Reportedly Facing Low Sales
Meanwhile, Meghan is due to appear at the “Her Best Life” retreat in Sydney, an exclusive weekend experience hosted by Jackie’ O’ Henderson and her manager Gemma O’Neill.
Guests are being charged about $3,000 each for the event, which is taking place at a luxury hotel in Coogee. Although it was initially described as fully booked, recent updates hint that additional spots may still be available.
Beyond ticket sales, the Sussexes may also face public scrutiny during their visit. An online petition has received tens of thousands of signatures from Australians opposing any use of public funds to support the couple’s trip, arguing that, as private individuals, they should cover their own expenses.
Despite the mixed reception, royal commentator Richard Palmer believes the visit could be a strategic moment for Meghan in particular, offering an opportunity to reshape public perception and respond to ongoing criticism if the tour proves successful.
“They want to prove their critics wrong, so they will be hoping it is a huge success. If it is, it will be Meghan’s revenge,” Palmer said.
Prince Harry And Meghan Insider Slammed ‘Misinformation’ Surrounding Their Australia Trip
Following reports of a petition against Harry and Meghan’s trip, a source close to the royal couple hit back at “misinformation” surrounding their Australian tour.
“There is a lot of misinformation being spread about this trip – all designed to whip up hate,” the insider told The Mirror. “The truth is, you have a couple heading down under for work. While they’re in town, they’re going to check in on some charitable causes that they have long supported and – in the duke’s case, with the Invictus Games – he set up.”
The source added, “The couple [is] critically aware that by just visiting a charity, they can help shine a light on its work – bringing media attention that wouldn’t otherwise exist. They don’t have to do that.”
The Sussex Source Called The Public Backlash’ Irrational’
In their chat with The Mirror, the Sussex source fiercely defended Harry and Meghan, as they branded negative reactions to their Australian tour as “irrational.”
The insider called out royal Commentators who make “hate bait” comments about the royal couple, stressing that the duke and duchess just want to do “good” in the world.
“They could just as easily get paid and head straight back to California,” the source claimed. “It’s an irrational reaction to sh-t-can a couple who just want to support some [of] the charitable causes close to them.”
“God forbid they try to do any good in a world that could, frankly, use a little more Harry and Meghan, and a little less sniping from ‘Royal Commentators’ who make a living by proving hate bait for anyone willing to platform them. It’s sad. What a way to make a living,” the Sussex source concluded.
Claims Mount Over Sussex High Staff Turnover
At the same time, scrutiny around the Sussexes extends beyond their public appearances. The pair have long faced criticism over staff turnover, and some insiders claim the issue goes deeper than their professional team.
Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield has alleged that turnover among household staff has been even more frequent, at one point describing the rate of departures as unusually high.
“It actually became kind of comical because during a certain period, it felt like every week there was … someone new who left,” Schofield told NewsNation.
Although representatives for Harry and Meghan have pushed back against such claims, Schofield says she has heard troubling accounts from former employees.
She recalled one alleged former nanny describing the experience as “dehumanizing,” claiming that the working environment became challenging after an initial adjustment period.
According to these reports, the couple is said to have gone through three childcare providers early on, including before their move to the United States.
However, at least one nanny is believed to have remained with the family for five years, alongside additional caregivers and support staff who assist with daily responsibilities.