Jackie 'O' Henderson Declines Participation in Meghan Markle's Sydney Retreat
Radio personality Jackie 'O' Henderson has chosen to distance herself from the upcoming Sydney retreat featuring Meghan Markle, as the repercussions of her unexpected departure from KIIS FM continue to unfold. The event, organised by the events company Besties, co-founded by Henderson and her close friend and manager Gemma O'Neill, will see the Duchess of Sussex as the headline guest.
Manager Gemma O'Neill Reveals Henderson's Decision
In a recent episode of the Her Best Life podcast, O'Neill disclosed that she initially hesitated to host the Duchess, confiding her nerves to Henderson. 'I feel really excited because I did go through a period, I will admit, that I actually almost said no, and I actually spoke to Jackie about it,' O'Neill explained. She attempted to persuade Henderson to lead or participate in the event, but Henderson remained firm in her refusal.
'I tried to beg her to come and do it, or I tried to beg her to come and, like, take over the event,' O'Neill continued. 'She was adamant, and she said: 'No, Gemma. You need to do this for yourself. This is meant to be for you.' Henderson's rationale was to encourage O'Neill to step out of her comfort zone and embrace a more public role, acknowledging O'Neill's preference for behind-the-scenes work.
Details of the Her Best Life Retreat
The inaugural Her Best Life Retreat is scheduled for April 17–19 at the InterContinental Hotel on Coogee Beach in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs. The three-day gathering aims to attract approximately 300 women, focusing on themes of connection, wellbeing, and personal development. Ticket sales are projected to generate nearly $1 million in revenue.
VIP tickets, priced at $3,199, offer exclusive benefits including:
- A group photograph with Meghan Markle
- Seats in the front two rows during the gala dinner
- An exclusive goodie bag
- A premium ocean-view hotel room
Additional activities for attendees encompass a session with psychologist Dr Justine Corry, a meditation and manifestation workshop led by O'Neill, yoga, sound healing, poolside relaxation, and a dinner-and-disco celebration. The event's website promotes it as 'an intimate luxury weekend by the ocean designed to bring women together for powerful conversations, relaxation, laughter and unforgettable experiences.'
Henderson's Supportive Gesture Amid Snub
Despite her absence from the event, Henderson expressed support for O'Neill's venture. She commented on O'Neill's Instagram announcement post, writing: 'Incredible Gem... definitely living your best life,' accompanied by emojis. O'Neill, in her announcement, praised Meghan Markle, stating: 'I have admired this woman and what she has endured, how she's risen above it, and how she has demonstrated that a woman can be pushed down and she can still rise.'
This development follows recent news of Meghan Markle's separation from Netflix and her assumption of full control over her As Ever jam brand, occurring just two months after the streaming service cancelled her series With Love, Meghan after two seasons.
