{"id":2372408,"date":"2026-04-14T05:27:05","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T05:27:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2372408"},"modified":"2026-04-14T05:27:05","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T05:27:05","slug":"harry-and-meghan-arrive-in-australia-for-four-day-quasi-royal-tour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/harry-and-meghan-arrive-in-australia-for-four-day-quasi-royal-tour\/","title":{"rendered":"Harry and Meghan arrive in Australia for four-day \u2018quasi-royal\u2019 tour"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"main\">\n<div class=\"hydrate-root sc-1ihz57b-0\" data-component=\"Newsletter\" data-loading=\"lazy\" data-theme-name=\"independent\">\n<div data-theme-wrapper=\"true\" style=\"display:contents;color-scheme:inherit\">\n<aside class=\"sc-y4bm30-0 jwWhkK newsletter-component sc-1ge0fwe-0\" data-newsletter-key=\"receiveOnTheGround\">\n<div class=\"sc-y4bm30-2 kcLSBk\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-y4bm30-1 inRDZn\">\n<div class=\"sc-y4bm30-3\">\n<div class=\"sc-y4bm30-4 hfveGa\">\n<p><h3 class=\"sc-y4bm30-5 sc-y4bm30-6 fvoxRM fjSFaq\">On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents<\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"sc-y4bm30-5 sc-y4bm30-8 fvoxRM cNjOtq\">Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents<\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"sc-y4bm30-5 sc-y4bm30-7 fvoxRM kkuiIA\">Get a weekly international news dispatch<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-y4bm30-2 kcLSBk sc-y4bm30-9 iQYNfz\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/static-assets\/images\/newsletters\/onTheGround1_1.png\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"On The Ground\" class=\"sc-1mc30lb-0 ggpMaE\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/topic\/duke-and-duchess-of-sussex\">Duke and Duchess of Sussex<\/a> arrived in <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/topic\/australia\">Australia<\/a> for what is being described by observers as a four-day, \u201cquasi <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/topic\/royal\">royal<\/a>\u201d visit that will combine both charitable endeavours and commercial engagements.<\/p>\n<p>The couple landed in <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/topic\/melbourne\">Melbourne<\/a> on Tuesday to kick off their first trip to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/topic\/australia\">Australia<\/a> since their 2018 <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/topic\/royal\">royal<\/a> tour.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike that earlier visit, this one is being undertaken in a private capacity, after they stepped back as working members of the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/topic\/royal-family\">royal family<\/a> in 2020.<\/p>\n<p>Their itinerary spans <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/topic\/melbourne\">Melbourne<\/a>, Canberra, and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/topic\/sydney\">Sydney<\/a>, and includes visits to a children\u2019s hospital, a women\u2019s homeless service, and events supporting <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/topic\/military-veterans\">military veterans<\/a> and their families, according to a statement provided to the media. <\/p>\n<p>Prince Harry is scheduled to attend engagements linked to veterans and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/topic\/mental-health\">mental health<\/a>, and will deliver the keynote address at the InterEdge Psychosocial Safety Summit in <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/topic\/melbourne\">Melbourne \u2013 <\/a>a national conversation on psychosocial safety and leadership. Meghan will take part in a separate wellness-focused event in <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/topic\/sydney\">Sydney<\/a>, where she is expected to headline a multi-day retreat.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-awdjp1-2 cbpRGD sc-awdjp1-3 image align-center\">\n<figure class=\"sc-1cbdeug-0 cXcwgU\">\n<div data-gallery-length=\"2\" class=\"sc-awdjp1-0 knLcXK\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2026\/04\/14\/06\/download.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2026\/04\/14\/06\/download.jpg?quality=75&amp;width=320&amp;auto=webp 320w, https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2026\/04\/14\/06\/download.jpg?quality=75&amp;width=640&amp;auto=webp 640w\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, meet patient Hamish and family members on the Adolescent Oncology and Rehabilitation ward during a visit to the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Australia Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (Jonathan Brady\/Pool Photo via AP)\" class=\"sc-1mc30lb-0 ggpMaE inline-gallery-btn\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"sc-1cbdeug-1 sc-1cbdeug-3 GbazC hgzWpY\">Britain&#8217;s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, meet patient Hamish and family members on the Adolescent Oncology and Rehabilitation ward during a visit to the Royal Children&#8217;s Hospital Melbourne, Australia Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (Jonathan Brady\/Pool Photo via AP)<span class=\"sc-1cbdeug-7 dnwdMd\"> <!-- -->(<!-- -->AP<!-- -->)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Tickets for the summit range from hundreds to more than two thousand Australian dollars, while the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/topic\/sydney\">Sydney<\/a> retreat \u2013 described as a \u201cgirls\u2019 weekend like no other\u201d \u2013 is priced at up to A$3,199, including premium packages.<\/p>\n<p>The pair\u2019s programme in <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/topic\/australia\">Australia<\/a> will focus on \u201c<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/topic\/mental-health\">mental health<\/a>, community resilience, and support for veterans and their families, alongside private meetings and special projects\u201d. <\/p>\n<p>The Sussexes have included private events \u201cto support broader commercial, charitable, and community objectives.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThese are separate from the core programme of public-facing visits,\u201d according to the statement.<\/p>\n<p>The visit differs in other ways from a traditional <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/topic\/royal\">royal<\/a> tour. There are no public walkabouts planned, with reports citing security considerations and costs. The trip is privately funded, although local police are expected to provide security during public appearances.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-awdjp1-2 cbpRGD sc-awdjp1-3 image align-center\">\n<figure class=\"sc-1cbdeug-0 cXcwgU\">\n<div data-gallery-length=\"2\" class=\"sc-awdjp1-0 knLcXK\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2026\/04\/14\/06\/download-1.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2026\/04\/14\/06\/download-1.jpg?quality=75&amp;width=320&amp;auto=webp 320w, https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2026\/04\/14\/06\/download-1.jpg?quality=75&amp;width=640&amp;auto=webp 640w\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, meet garden therapists Amelia and Kayte in the Kelpie garden during a visit to the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Australia Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (Jonathan Brady\/Pool Photo via AP)\" class=\"sc-1mc30lb-0 ggpMaE inline-gallery-btn\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"sc-1cbdeug-1 sc-1cbdeug-3 GbazC hgzWpY\">Britain&#8217;s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, meet garden therapists Amelia and Kayte in the Kelpie garden during a visit to the Royal Children&#8217;s Hospital Melbourne, Australia Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (Jonathan Brady\/Pool Photo via AP)<span class=\"sc-1cbdeug-7 dnwdMd\"> <!-- -->(<!-- -->AP<!-- -->)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/topic\/royal\">Royal<\/a> researcher Giselle Bastin said the inclusion of paid events marked a shift from past visits. \u201cThe fact that they are not working royals and are staging this visit as a quasi-<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/topic\/royal\">royal<\/a> tour would leave the Windsors nonplussed,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>She also suggested public enthusiasm may be more muted than in 2018, when the couple drew large crowds during their official tour.<\/p>\n<p>However, British royal commentator, Afua Hagan, said the couple will face criticism regardless of their approach.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf they didn\u2019t have commercial interests, then the problem would be, oh my goodness, these people are leeching off the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/topic\/royal-family\">royal family<\/a> and the taxpayers,\u201d she said, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe negative press when it comes to Harry and Meghan is what sells the tabloids, it\u2019s what sells the papers,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>The trip comes as the couple continues to build independent careers outside the monarchy, including media and publishing deals, while maintaining involvement in charitable initiatives such as veteran support and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/topic\/mental-health\">mental health<\/a> advocacy.<\/p>\n<p>Their current visit is expected to conclude later this week in <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/topic\/sydney\">Sydney<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em> \u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em> \u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.independent.co.uk \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived in Australia for what is being described by observers as a four-day, \u201cquasi royal\u201d visit that will combine both charitable endeavours and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2128726,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[43],"tags":[461506,23067],"class_list":["post-2372408","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-royalty","tag-australia-royals","tag-meghan-markle"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Andrews-royal-exit-is-the-latest-crisis-for-Britains-monarchy.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2372408","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2372408"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2372408\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2372409,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2372408\/revisions\/2372409"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2128726"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2372408"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2372408"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2372408"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}