RadarOnline.com reports that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing a wave of criticism even before their planned trip to Australia, with some detractors labeling it a “faux royal” tour and describing it as a “total shambles” according to insiders.
Harry, 41, and Markle, 44, are set to visit next month for a series of engagements that mix personal and commercial interests.
Markle will lead a sold-out three-day wellness event, Her Best Life Retreat, at a luxury hotel in Sydney, with ticket prices starting at approximately £$2m704. Harry is slated to speak at a psychosocial safety conference in Melbourne.
This visit marks their first major return to Australia since 2018, when they toured as senior working royals, enjoying official accommodations, police escorts, and widespread public support. However, the tone this time appears to be notably different.
An advocacy group has launched a petition, amassing over 32,000 signatures, urging the Australian government not to fund security or logistics for the visit.
The group stated, “The activities are private and commercial and must be treated strictly as a private visit. At a time when Australians are facing high cost-of-living pressures, including rising grocery bills, fuel prices, mortgage stress driven by interest rate hikes, and increasing energy costs, public resources must be used responsibly and applied fairly without special treatment for high-profile individuals.”
Insiders indicate the backlash has created tension ahead of the trip. One source commented, “There is a growing perception that this is a ‘faux royal’ tour – it carries the appearance of a traditional visit, but without the official role to justify it. That is also part of the reason it is being described as a total shambles before it has even begun.”
Another insider noted, “The combination of commercial events, high ticket prices, and expectations around security has made this feel out of step with public sentiment, particularly given the current economic climate.”
The controversy is further fueled by scrutiny over the venues. Markle’s retreat is scheduled at a newly constructed Intercontinental Hotel overlooking Coogee Beach, which is hastening to complete facilities before her arrival. The venue is promoted as offering a “new era” of “beachside elegance,” but its phased opening has raised concerns about readiness.
Local environmental issues have also surfaced, with reports of brown debris washing up on the shoreline, believed to be from Sydney’s sewage system. Although not directly tied to Markle’s event, these reports add to the concerns about the location.
Sources suggest that the couple’s approach reflects a broader change in how they conduct public engagements. One insider remarked, “They are blending celebrity-style engagements with elements that resemble royal tours, but without the structure or accountability that comes with official duties. That hybrid model is proving controversial, particularly when public resources are perceived to be involved.”
Another source stated the optics of the trip are challenging to manage, adding, “There is a sense that expectations have not been aligned with reality. For some, it feels like an attempt to recreate the visibility of their royal roles, but in a commercial context, and that is where the tension lies.”
Despite the criticism, demand for tickets to Markle’s retreat remains high, with VIP packages offering front-row access and a group photo at a gala dinner selling out quickly.
Meanwhile, Harry’s scheduled appearance in Melbourne is expected to attract attention from those in workplace safety and mental health sectors.
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