Harry and Meghan Return to Australia

Attention, they are coming and they are ready to face criticism! This Tuesday, April 14, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will arrive in Sydney, Australia, for what is being presented as a “falsely royal” tour. The itinerary for the couple includes: the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will embark on several stages between Sydney and Melbourne over four days, Meghan will be the VIP guest of a “girls’ weekend” and Harry will take a solo detour to Canberra. A busy schedule, but much more controlled. Because one thing is certain… it will have nothing to do with their triumphant tour in 2018.

Adieu les bains de foule (ou presque)

“In 2018, they had just gotten married, had a baby, and we were all very, very enthusiastic,” reminded Giselle Bastin, a professor at Flinders University and monarchy specialist in The Guardian. At that time, the couple indeed embodied renewal, glamour, modernity, the future of the Windsors… But since then, much has changed within the British monarchy. Now, Harry and Meghan are doing their own thing, like two free electrons.

Understanding that the reception may be a little less hysteric than before. During their first Australian escapade, Harry and Meghan had no reservations about meeting the public, who were thrilled. They enjoyed a real popular fervor. But this year, their appearances will be more measured. Their visit is private and also promotional!

Goodbye to the Crowds (almost)

What awaits them? A mix of charitable commitments, speeches, and private events. The couple will visit the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne and attend a rugby match in Sydney between the New South Wales Waratahs and the Moana Pasifika at Allianz Stadium. Meghan will visit a center for homeless women. Harry will visit the Australian War Memorial, attend an Invictus Australia event, and the Last Post ceremony on Anzac Day.

The big change for this 2026 tour? The almost disappearance of crowd gatherings. No more human marches, handshakes, and selfies, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expected to keep a lower profile. So, while they will continue to meet people – patients, volunteers, charity workers – it will be in much more controlled settings. Because Australians are not very keen on the idea of their taxes being used to ensure their security, even if they will still receive a bit of special treatment…