Harry and Meghan have landed in Australia for a short four-day tour covering Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney; however, many Australians appear unimpressed or unaware of their presence. The couple flew on Qantas flight QF94 from Los Angeles and arrived at Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport early on Tuesday morning. Despite the warm reception with a private convoy and VIP exit, the excitement among locals seems to be lacking.
The agenda for the visit revolves around the Sussexes’ interests in supporting veterans, children’s welfare, mental health, and sports. Notably, there are no planned public appearances due to security concerns and the costs associated with crowd control.
Feedback from Sydney residents indicates a general lack of enthusiasm for the royal visit. Some locals expressed negative sentiments, criticizing the couple for focusing on self-promotion and urging them to reconcile with their family rather than engage in public appearances. Additionally, the visit has received minimal coverage in Australian media, further dampening public interest.
Concerns have also arisen regarding the funding of the couple’s security costs, with a petition signed by over 46,000 individuals demanding that public funds not be utilized for this purpose. While initially downplaying the issue as privately funded, authorities in New South Wales and Victoria confirmed taxpayer contributions to at least a portion of the security operation.
This visit contrasts sharply with their previous trip to Australia in 2018, following their wedding, which was met with enthusiastic crowds and warm receptions. However, this time around, the reception has been notably subdued, reflecting a shift in public sentiment towards the royal couple.