Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are preparing to return to Australia in April for a trip described by their spokesperson as involving "private, business and charitable activities," but the visit is already drawing criticism from parts of the British media and royal commentators who argue the itinerary reflects a commercial strategy rather than a traditional royal-style engagement.
The couple's upcoming visit comes nearly six years after their widely publicized 2018 tour of Australia and the South Pacific, when they were still working members of the British royal family and were greeted with enthusiastic public crowds.
This time, however, the visit will take place under very different circumstances.
Harry and Meghan stepped back from official royal duties in 2020 and now operate as private public figures involved in business ventures, media production and philanthropic initiatives.
The focal point of the upcoming trip appears to be a luxury event in Sydney, where Meghan is scheduled to appear as the featured guest at a high-end women's retreat.
The event, titled "Her Best Life," will take place from April 17 to April 19 at the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach.
Promotional materials describe the retreat as "a girls' weekend like no other" and "an intimate luxury weekend by the ocean."
Attendance is capped at 300 participants, and the pricing structure has drawn attention because of the premium cost attached to the event.
According to the event's organizers, ticket prices include:
- Early-bird admission: $2,699 per person
- VIP package: $3,199 per person
- VIP access includes front-row seating at a gala dinner and a group table photo with Meghan
The retreat's programme promises an in-person conversation with "Meghan, Duchess of Sussex", along with lifestyle-focused activities such as yoga sessions, sound healing experiences, psychology workshops and social events including dinners and a disco night.
The format has prompted criticism in parts of the British press, where commentators have portrayed the trip as a commercial enterprise packaged with royal branding.
Some coverage described the visit as a "desperate cash-grab," although the claim reflects opinion rather than confirmed financial details.
Supporters of the couple note that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are no longer working royals and are free to pursue commercial appearances and speaking engagements.
Even so, the blending of celebrity-style paid events with royal titles continues to generate debate about how the couple positions itself publicly.
Another factor drawing attention is the timing of the visit.
The trip may overlap with a planned state visit to the United States by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, an alignment that could invite comparisons between the Sussexes' private engagements and official royal diplomacy.
Observers note that the symbolism of royal titles remains powerful even when used outside formal royal duties.
"When a duke and duchess travel the world, hold meetings, and headline premium events," analysts say, the association with the monarchy often shapes public perceptions regardless of the couple's independent status.
The Australia visit also unfolds amid changes to Meghan's business ventures.
Earlier this month, her lifestyle brand As Ever confirmed that its partnership with Netflix had ended, with both sides stating the brand would continue independently.
