For the first time since autumn 2018, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to fly to Australia (without Archie and Lilibet) for a several-day visit in mid-April. They have a busy schedule ahead. They will be attending conferences, and it is known that the Duchess of Sussex will be the guest star at a “well-being retreat” (for women only) organized by Her Best Life. These are paid events – and they will come at a high cost… “They need to earn a living, a source told
Telegraph. “They are private citizens and they have to pay their bills like everyone else.”
Harry and Meghan not welcomed in Australia
And even before it has begun, this trip is already causing some controversy in the country. Two petitions have even been launched. One by Beyond Australia, a group representing “ordinary Australians demanding justice and transparency”: they strongly oppose the idea of taxpayers’ money being used to fund Meghan and Harry’s excursion, including their security, transportation, and all other expenses that this visit could incur.
“At a time when Australians are facing significant pressures related to the cost of living, including rising grocery bills, fuel prices, mortgage repayment difficulties due to interest rate hikes, and energy cost increases, public resources should be used responsibly and applied fairly, without favoritism towards public figures”, reads a petition online, already signed by over 39,000 people (NB: Australia has 28 million inhabitants).
Another petition, of the same tone, has gathered a little over 2000 signatures.
Petitions against Harry and Meghan’s visit… ridiculous
And the association has some excellent arguments to put forward. Harry and Meghan have relinquished their royal duties and no longer hold official roles; the visit includes private and commercial activities; security and coordination would come at a cost for Australian taxpayers; official support should be reserved for official state or royal functions; public funds should not be used for private visits. Well, we have good news for these haters. Their main argument alone addresses their demand!
Simply because, unlike their visit in 2018 (when they were newlyweds and Meghan was pregnant with Archie), this will not be an official royal tour, as the Sussex couple have since 2020 “stepped back” from the royal family and given up many privileges. At the time, they had police escorts throughout their stay, as well as accommodation at the Governor-General’s residence. Not this time. It’s a private visit. They will be paying for everything themselves, confirmed a spokesperson for the couple. Australians will not have to spend a dollar to cater to Harry and Meghan’s desires. “This trip is funded by private funds, so I’m not sure what this petition hopes to achieve”, they added.
