When Meghan Markle and Prince Harry jet into Australia this week, it could be more than just a blueprint for a new world tour. As a leak underscores key message points – and the Sussexes fabricate an image of a US-based ‘Royal Family offshoot’ – I have to ask: “Is the Oz trip just a PR stunt to fulfil their dream of being commercially-active, UK royals?”
Harry, 41, and Meghan are due to start their private tour of the Commonwealth country on Tuesday, marking their first trip Down Under since they flew in as newlyweds in 2018. The pair hope to recreate the magic of that first 16-day tour, when they rode a wave of joy and goodwill, boosted by Meghan’s announcement that she was pregnant.
However, they try to stress it is a private visit, this has all the hallmarks of a Royal Tour – just like their recent visit to Jordan when they met dignitaries, visited a refugee camp and saw sick kids in a hospital.
And it could also prove to be the blueprint for more than future royal jet-setting.
Megxit was sparked when the late Queen insisted they could not be ‘half-in, half-out’ royals – blending official work with raking in the cash by trading on their royal titles.
When in Australia, both the duke and duchess will embark on paid speaking events – but is it any coincidence they chose a country where King Charles is the head of state?
Dipping the toe in the water, maybe?
‘Operational Planning Notes’ shared with select media and written by the couple’s new PR boss emphasises that the Australian taxpayer will not foot the bill for the trip.
Almost 45,000 people have signed an online petition demanding that no taxpayer funds be used during the trip, showing the depth of feeling toward the pair goes beyond mere apathy.
Despite this, New South Wales Police and Victoria Police confirmed additional security measures will be put in place at the taxpayers’ expense “to ensure public safety is maintained”.
They will make joint appearances focusing on veterans and mental health, including a visit to a children’s hospital and an Invictus Australia event on Sydney Harbour – then throw themselves into some commercial ventures too.
Tacked to the end of Mr Maguire’s document is a ‘Q&A’ for media, which appears to be his attempt to get ahead of awkward and probing questions expected from journalists.
An anticipated question reads: “Critics say this is a publicity tour; how do you respond?”
Their answer reads: “The programme is rooted in longstanding areas of work for the Duke and Duchess, with a clear focus on amplifying organisations delivering measurable impact.
“The visit prioritises listening, learning and supporting communities rather than promotion.”
It’s nice they are amplifying organisations.
Maybe the Sussexes will look to do some amplifying back in the UK soon… for a cheeky little fee, perhaps?
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.express.co.uk ’
