Australians Remain Unconvinced by Sussex Visit Despite High-Profile Tour
A comprehensive national poll has revealed that Australians remain largely unconvinced by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, even following their much-publicised four-day visit to the country. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex departed Australia on Friday, concluding an itinerary that included appearances at the Her Best Life luxury wellness retreat, the Australian War Memorial, and even a cameo on MasterChef Australia.
Despite the packed schedule and extensive media coverage, new data from Roy Morgan indicates the trip failed to significantly win over the Australian public. The research, based on a survey of 1,767 Australians aged 18 and over, found that while more than 80% of the population—approximately 18.1 million people—were aware the couple had been in the country, this awareness has not translated into admiration.
Stark Poll Results Reveal Public Sentiment
When respondents were asked whether the visit improved their opinion of the pair, a striking 81% said it had not, with only 19% responding positively. Similarly, hopes for a royal reconciliation appear slim in Australian eyes, with just 13% believing the visit will help Prince Harry mend ties with King Charles III, compared to 87% who think it will make no difference.
Meghan Markle fared slightly better on a personal level, with one in four respondents saying the trip showed them a more positive side of her character. However, a clear majority indicated their view of the Duchess had not improved following the Australian tour.
Mixed Views on Permanent Relocation
The question of whether Australians would welcome the couple more permanently revealed a more divided response. While 41% said they would support Prince Harry and Meghan relocating to Australia, 59% expressed opposition to such a move.
The poll also touched on broader perceptions of the couple's treatment by the Royal Family, with approximately 31% of respondents believing Harry and Meghan have been treated unfairly, while more than two-thirds (69%) disagreed with this assessment.
Controversial Fashion Marketing During Visit
The visit was not without controversy, particularly regarding Meghan's fashion choices. The Duchess faced backlash when the outfit she wore to meet survivors of the Bondi terror attack was immediately available for purchase on the OneOff website, where she reportedly earns a percentage from sales.
Harry appears on the OneOff page advertising his wife's 'look' from the Sydney beach engagement, though he is largely obscured by links to her fashion items including a $440 blue and white striped Matteau shirt, $139 white 'sailor jeans,' and $298 Freda Salvador trainers. Meghan's $198 Brochu Walker sunglasses and $950 brown suede bag from her Bondi engagement are also being promoted through the platform.
Meghan is expected to earn between 10% and 25% commission per item sold through OneOff, in which she is also an investor. Critics have described the decision to advertise the Duchess's 'look' during a visit to meet terror attack survivors as 'the starkest example yet of Harry and Meghan's efforts to commercialise their royal brand.'
Royal Expert Expresses Concern
Royal expert Richard Palmer suggested the sale of her Bondi outfit online reflects poorly on the Sussexes and will likely concern the Royal Family. 'This is perhaps the starkest example yet of Harry and Meghan's efforts to commercialise their royal brand,' Palmer stated. 'I think this will have alarm bells ringing at the palace and may ultimately prompt further discussion about whether there is a need to strip them of their royal titles.'
Palmer further noted that while the palace might claim the matter has nothing to do with the institution since Harry and Meghan aren't publicly funded members, they remain the King's son and daughter-in-law, and any suggestion of cashing in on royal status reflects badly on the monarchy as a whole.
The poll results and accompanying controversies suggest that despite their high-profile Australian visit, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continue to face significant public scepticism and scrutiny regarding their commercial activities and relationship with the Royal Family.
