The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed they will embark on a significant overseas tour to Australia in mid-April, marking their first visit to the country in over seven years. This announcement comes just weeks after the couple returned from a humanitarian trip to Jordan, continuing their pattern of international engagements outside official royal duties.
Details of the Australian Visit
A spokesperson for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stated that the couple will travel to both Sydney and Melbourne in mid-April to participate in a series of private, business, and philanthropic activities. Further specifics about their itinerary are expected to be released in the coming weeks. It is understood that their children, Archie and Lilibet, will not accompany them on this journey.
Rumoured Engagements and Activities
While exact plans remain undisclosed, reports suggest Meghan may appear as a guest on the Her Best Life podcast, which is co-hosted by Jackie "O" Henderson and Gemma O'Neill through their company, Besties. Additionally, the company is rumoured to be hosting an event where Meghan could be the VIP guest, following similar appearances by figures like Gwyneth Paltrow.
Prince Harry is expected to undertake engagements related to Australia's armed forces and veterans' community, aligning with his longstanding advocacy for military personnel. This tour will occur shortly after King Charles's planned trip to the United States, highlighting the Sussexes' independent schedule.
Historical Context and Previous Visits
The Sussexes last visited Australia in 2018 in an official royal capacity, just months after their wedding and before they announced their pregnancy with Archie. That 16-day tour included stops in Sydney, Melbourne, and the rural town of Dubbo, as well as visits to Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand. Their upcoming trip marks a return to Australia since stepping back from royal duties in 2020.
Recent Humanitarian Efforts in Jordan
This announcement follows the couple's recent pseudo-royal trip to Jordan, where they spent two days learning about humanitarian efforts for Syrians and Palestinians. Invited by the World Health Organisation's director-general Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, they visited the Za'atari refugee camp, participated in activities with Syrian children, and toured the Specialty Hospital in Amman.
On the second day, they visited the World Central Kitchen headquarters, an organisation they support through their Archewell Foundation. British Ambassador to Jordan Philip Hall expressed gratitude for their visit, noting its importance in highlighting international aid efforts.
The Australian tour underscores the Sussexes' ongoing commitment to global philanthropy and business ventures, separate from the traditional royal framework, as they continue to carve out their unique path on the world stage.
