Harry and Meghan arrive in Australia for four-day tour
Harry and Meghan arrive in Australia for four-day tour
Prince Harry and Meghan, now private citizens, touched down in Australia on Tuesday, landing at Melbourne airport at 06:30 local time (21:30 BST Monday) aboard a Qantas flight from Los Angeles. The couple’s visit is set to span four days, blending charitable initiatives with private ventures aimed at generating revenue. Unlike their previous official trip in 2018, this itinerary includes fewer public events, focusing instead on engagement with specific groups and commercial opportunities.
Charitable and Private Engagements
The pair will meet children’s hospital patients and medical staff, military veterans, and survivors of domestic violence. These interactions highlight their ongoing support for causes close to their hearts. However, the trip also features lucrative aspects, such as Prince Harry’s keynote address at the InterEdge Psychosocial Safety Summit in Melbourne. Tickets for the summit range from A$1,000 to A$2,400 per attendee, with some proceeds benefiting the charity Lifeline.
Commercial Ventures and Financial Uncertainty
Meanwhile, Meghan will participate in an exclusive “girls’ weekend” event in Sydney, hosted by the creators of the Her Best Life podcast. The women-only gathering offers a VIP package priced at up to A$3,199, including a photo opportunity with the Duchess. It remains unclear whether the couple receives compensation for these events, though their private funding status is emphasized. The trip is expected to include stops in Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney, with the final public appearance being a rugby match in Sydney on Friday evening.
Security and Taxpayer Costs
Victoria and New South Wales police have confirmed they will provide security during the visit, though details on funding remain unspecified. A Victoria Police spokesperson noted awareness of the couple’s April arrival in Melbourne, stating that resources are deployed as needed for community safety. In New South Wales, the police force will implement measures to ensure public safety while minimizing disruption. This marks Harry’s first public event since he was sued for defamation by Sentebale, the African charity he co-founded.
“The New South Wales Police Force will conduct an operation to ensure public safety is maintained during the visit by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex,” said a police spokesperson. “The operation will require some additional security measures throughout their stay in New South Wales, while minimising any disruption to the community.”
Brand Opportunities and Legal Context
There are indications that Australia may serve as a market for Meghan’s As Ever lifestyle brand, which has been spotlighted in a Netflix series produced by the couple’s company. Last year, the brand registered trademarks across 12 product categories in Australia, according to government records. Despite the commercial elements, the couple has chosen to avoid large public meet-and-greets, prioritizing flexibility in their itinerary. This decision has sparked discussions about whether taxpayer funds cover policing expenses during their stay.