The Duke and Duchess of Sussex touched down in Australia on Tuesday, beginning a four-day tour that will address mental health initiatives, veterans’ support, and community outreach programs.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s itinerary kicks off with a stop at a Melbourne children’s hospital, followed by the Duchess visiting a shelter for women experiencing domestic violence, according to their official statement.
“Their programme will focus on mental health, community resilience and support for veterans and their families, alongside private meetings and special projects,” the statement said.
The royal couple’s schedule includes traveling to Canberra on Wednesday for meetings with military veterans, participating in a Melbourne mental health summit Thursday, and concluding their visit with sailing and rugby activities in Sydney on Friday.
This marks the Sussexes’ return to Australia since their 2018 visit as active working royals, when they announced Meghan’s first pregnancy shortly after landing in Sydney. The couple stepped away from royal duties in 2020, relocating to the United States while seeking financial independence and privacy from intense media scrutiny.
While their current visit has generated public interest in Australia, where King Charles serves as head of state despite growing republican sentiment, the reception appears markedly different from their previous trip. Television coverage showed the pair arriving via commercial aircraft from Los Angeles, with no fanfare or large crowds present at the airport.
The couple is personally financing their travel expenses, though Australian taxpayers will cover some security costs, prompting a protest petition that has gathered over 45,000 signatures from local media reports.
Unlike their previous official visit, the Sussexes plan to engage in commercial ventures during this trip. Meghan will remain in Australia beyond the tour to facilitate a wellness retreat at an upscale Sydney beachside resort over the weekend.
The retreat experience, featuring yoga sessions, manifestation workshops, and sound healing activities, carries a starting price of 2,699 Australian dollars (approximately $1,912 USD) per participant.
