Harry and Meghan have arrived in Australia for a four-day visit blending charity work with high-profile commercial engagements, marking their first trip to the country since stepping back from royal duties.
The pair landed at Melbourne Airport early Tuesday morning on a commercial Qantas flight from Los Angeles, beginning a tightly scheduled tour that will take in Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney.
The couple, who are no longer working royals and are visiting in a private capacity, are set to meet patients and medical staff at a children’s hospital, spend time with military veterans and their families, and engage with survivors of family violence.
However, the itinerary also highlights the commercial dimension of the trip.
Harry is due to deliver a keynote address at the InterEdge Psychosocial Safety Summit, where tickets range from about A$1,000 to A$2,400. While some proceeds will go to the charity Lifeline, it remains unclear whether he will receive a speaking fee.
Meanwhile, Meghan will headline an “in-person conversation” at a women-only wellness retreat in Sydney, organised by the producers of the Her Best Life podcast. Packages for the “girls’ weekend” event cost up to A$3,199, with premium tickets offering a group photograph opportunity with Meghan.
It is not known how much either will be paid for their appearances.
The visit marks the couple’s first return to Australia since their 2018 royal tour, when large crowds gathered to greet them. In contrast, no public meet-and-greet events are planned this time, with aides citing a desire to minimise disruption.
The couple stepped back from official royal duties in January 2020 and no longer use their HRH titles, funding their activities privately. Despite this, questions have been raised about whether Australian taxpayers will bear any of the cost of policing during the visit.
Both Victoria Police and the New South Wales Police Force confirmed they will deploy officers to ensure public safety but declined to comment on funding arrangements.
Security remains a sensitive issue for Harry following his unsuccessful legal challenge over the level of protection he receives in the United Kingdom.
The Australian tour also comes amid renewed scrutiny of the couple’s business ventures, with Australia flagged as a potential market for Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever. Trademark applications linked to the brand have been registered across multiple product categories locally.
The visit is set to conclude on Friday evening with a rugby match in Sydney, though Meghan is expected to remain for the weekend wellness event.
Image: Sunrise
