Harry and Meghan's Australian Return Amid Royal Tensions and Republican Sentiment
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are set to return to Australia next month on a surprise two to three-day trip, comprising both private and public engagements in Sydney and Melbourne. This visit comes as King Charles prepares for a controversial diplomatic tour to the United States in the same month, creating a complex backdrop of royal scheduling and public perception.
A Changed Landscape Since 2018
Eight years ago, Harry and Meghan arrived in Australia as newlyweds expecting their first child, greeted by ecstatic crowds and sunny optimism. Their 2018 tour was marked by warm embraces from the public and political establishment alike, with then-Governor General Peter Cosgrove describing Harry as "almost a son of Australia." Royal reporters at the time likened the couple to "HRH superheroes" bringing joy to the nation.
However, the political and personal landscape has shifted dramatically since that triumphant visit. Royal expert Kerry Parnell notes that while the couple may hope to recreate their previous success, they are likely to be disappointed by the changed atmosphere.
Business and Philanthropic Focus
The Sussexes' spokesperson confirmed they will participate in "private, business and philanthropic engagements" during their Australian visit. Notably, the couple will not be accompanied by their children, Archie and Lilibet, but plan to return home in time for Archie's seventh birthday on May 6th.
Meghan is reportedly exploring opportunities to expand her As Ever lifestyle brand into Australia following the conclusion of her Netflix agreement. She will attend a three-day retreat hosted by the Her Best Life podcast at Sydney's InterContinental Coogee Beach from April 17th, described by organizers as "a girls' weekend like no other" featuring wellness sessions and discussions. Early bird tickets are priced at AU$2,699 (£1,440) per person.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry will focus on Australia's armed forces and the Invictus Games, drawing on his month-long secondment with the Australian Army in Darwin in 2015. This aligns with his established passions and values around military service and veteran support.
Growing Republican Sentiment
The reception for Harry and Meghan may be complicated by rising republican sentiment in Australia, particularly among younger generations. Mick Carroll, editor-in-chief of news.com.au, notes that "the republican feeling is as potent as it's ever been, particularly with millennials and Gen Z, whose patience for the monarchy is very thin."
Nathan Hansford, co-chair of the Australian Republic Movement, emphasizes that recent controversies surrounding the royal family have reminded Australians that "those who can become king or queen of Australia are not chosen by Australians and are not accountable to Australians."
Popularity Challenges
Public opinion data suggests the Sussexes face significant popularity challenges in Australia. A 2023 nine.com.au survey found only six percent of readers wanted to see Harry and Meghan visit, compared to 45 percent for William and Catherine. In the UK, a January YouGov poll recorded Meghan's lowest-ever popularity rating at 19 percent.
Valentine Low, author of "Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown," who accompanied the couple in 2018, predicts this visit will be "very different." He notes that "there is nothing Australians dislike more than a whingeing Pom, and Harry has become a world-class whinger, so he might be less popular than he was."
Family Tensions and Timing
The timing of the Australian visit is particularly sensitive, coinciding with King Charles's planned US tour. Low suggests that "Harry's visit to Australia will undoubtedly annoy the palace, because the one thing they don't like is anyone stealing the King's thunder."
Harry himself has indicated that the success of their 2018 Australian tour contributed to family tensions, telling Oprah Winfrey in 2021 that Meghan "dazzled" too brightly, reminding him of how "everything started with my mother." In his autobiography "Spare," he recalled warning Meghan during that tour: "You're doing too well, my love. You're making it look too easy."
Competition for Attention
Further complicating the Sussexes' Australian visit is the scheduled state visit by King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark, beginning the Saturday before their arrival. As Tasmania-born Mary is considered Australia's "own queen," she may eclipse the Sussexes in public attention and affection.
Despite these challenges, commentators agree the visit will be "fascinating" to observe. Carroll notes that while Australians may be courteous to Harry and Meghan as individuals, this is separate from "a growing sense that Australia should have its own head of state." The couple's celebrity status may still draw interest, even as the broader institution they represent faces increasing scrutiny.
