Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have commenced their latest visit to Australia, with a notable shift in their agenda compared to their previous tour. The couple is blending charitable activities with commercial commitments during their stops in Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra.
Their office disclosed that the upcoming days will emphasize mental health, community resilience, and support for veterans and their families, in addition to private meetings and special projects. Despite no longer being official representatives of the Royal Family, inquiries have arisen regarding the funding source for the trip, potential costs to Australian taxpayers, and the financial gains expected from the visit.
Meghan is scheduled to participate in a significant commercial event where she will be interviewed on stage at a luxury retreat in Sydney. Tickets for this event range from £1,400 to £1,670, with VIP tickets offering a group photo opportunity with the duchess. The event, organized by the Her Best Life podcast host Gemma O’Neill, has limited remaining availability.
Reports suggest that Meghan’s fee for this appearance could be substantial, potentially around $250,000. Meanwhile, Harry is set to deliver a keynote speech at the InterEdge Psychosocial Safety Summit in Melbourne, with ticket prices varying from £525 to £1,250. Part of the summit’s proceeds will be directed to the charity Lifeline, which offers crisis support and suicide prevention services.
The couple’s representatives have affirmed that the trip is privately financed, dismissing concerns raised in a Change.org petition opposing taxpayer funding or official support for the visit to Australia. Both New South Wales Police and Victoria Police have confirmed operational measures to ensure public safety during the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s stay.
Security expert Tony Loughran highlighted the potential significant costs associated with security arrangements for the visit, including private security and police resources. The current visit to Australia does not involve public walkabouts due to security considerations and cost implications.
In a separate development, Harry has been pursuing the reinstatement of taxpayer-funded security in the UK, following his and Meghan’s decision to step back from royal duties. This effort involved submitting a formal request for a risk assessment to the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures.
The couple’s previous visit to Colombia in 2024 incurred expenses amounting to £45,000, as per official figures. Security continues to be a key focus for Harry, especially in light of the challenges surrounding his security arrangements in the UK after stepping down as a senior royal member.