Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are returning to Australia. The last time they were there was in 2018, just five months after their wedding, during their extensive tour as working members of the royal family.
Now, eight years later and living in California, they have confirmed a visit scheduled for mid-April. Their representatives’ statement mentions “private, business, and philanthropic commitments,” with more details to follow. Archie and Lilibet will not be on the trip.
Why the Sussexes’ visit to Australia is already sparking controversy
The announcement hasn’t been well received everywhere. A petition in Australia has already garnered several thousand signatures, titled “No taxpayer-funding or official support for Harry and Meghan’s private visit to Australia.”
The argument is that if the trip is private, it should be completely private. This comes just after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated a few months ago that he would prefer to see Prince William and Princess Catherine in Australia, rather than the Sussexes.
William and Kate have no tours planned in the country this year, but Charles and Camilla visited a year and a half ago with considerable success.
The 2018 memory and what Harry said about that tour in the Oprah interview
For many, the 2018 tour was the Sussexes’ finest moment as active royals. Huge crowds, a Meghan who connected with people naturally, and a visibly proud Harry.
Years later, in an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Harry spoke about that trip with nostalgia and a different perspective. He said that seeing how well Meghan performed in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Tonga was also the turning point that caused friction within the family. “It really changed after the Australia tour,” he said.
What Harry and Meghan are expected to do during their visit to Australia in April
Although specific details have not yet been confirmed, Harry is expected to use the trip to connect with military personnel and veterans, a cause that has been central to his public agenda for years.
The trip comes just weeks after his visit to Jordan, marking his second major international trip this year.
Critics of the Sussexes say that while Australia was the setting for their finest moment as a royal couple in 2018, it will be a different story in 2026, as they won’t receive much of an institutional welcome.