The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, made a notably understated arrival in Australia on Tuesday morning, marking a dramatic departure from the pomp and ceremony typically associated with royal tours. The couple touched down at Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport shortly after 6:30 am, having traveled on a standard Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight from Los Angeles.
A Stark Contrast to Previous Royal Visits
This low-key approach stands in sharp contrast to their 2018 official royal tour to Australia, which spanned 16 days and featured the luxuries of first-class suites. Traditionally, royal visits begin with a carefully staged photo opportunity as the glamorous couple disembarks from either a Royal Australian Air Force aircraft or a chartered Qantas plane. However, this time, the plane landed ten minutes early, and the Sussexes were swiftly whisked away in a convoy of vehicles without pausing for the assembled media.
Media Left Disappointed by Discreet Exit
Television networks stationed at the arrivals gate hoping to capture footage of the high-profile couple were left bitterly disappointed. Members of the couple's security team were later observed exiting discreetly through a side door, accompanied by Qantas staff. The guards were seen pushing a trolley loaded with four suitcases, one of which bore a tag featuring the US flag.
It had been rumored that the pair might arrive in Australia via private jet, but they opted for a commercial airline instead. This choice appears particularly prudent as ordinary Australians contend with fuel shortages, soaring prices, and a rising cost of living. A standard business class ticket on the same Los Angeles to Melbourne direct Qantas flight costs just over $10,000.
Passenger Reactions: Surprise and Mixed Feelings
Some fellow passengers expressed astonishment at having the former royals onboard. "It wasn't until we got off the plane that we realised it was them," an American passenger told The Age. Another described the couple as "beautiful people" after a brief conversation, adding, "I said, 'I hope you have a lovely time in Melbourne and I'm sure you'll enjoy Sydney.' And we spoke about their children and that they were here for a couple of days."
However, not everyone welcomed their presence. One passenger bluntly stated, "I don't like her (Meghan) at all. Don't come here. You don't belong here in Australia. We don't want them here."
Engagements and Itinerary Details
The Duke and Duchess are now settled in their luxury city centre hotel as they prepare for a full schedule of engagements. Their itinerary begins with a visit to the Royal Melbourne Children's Hospital, followed by Meghan undertaking a solo visit to a women's shelter. Later, both Harry and Meghan will meet veterans and their families at the Australian National Veterans' Art Museum.
Notably, their children, six-year-old Prince Archie and four-year-old Princess Lilibet, have not accompanied their parents on this privately funded visit, which will not include any public walkabouts. The tour will also feature the Sussexes attending an Invictus Australia event on Sydney Harbour, with Harry making a brief solo trip to Canberra.
Separating Royal and Commercial Engagements
The official four-day itinerary does not include Meghan's appearance at the 'Her Best Life' retreat at the InterContinental Hotel in Sydney's Coogee Beach, scheduled from April 17-19. According to a source, this omission indicates that the Sussexes are deliberately keeping pseudo-royal engagements separate from Meghan's latest commercial venture into the lifestyle sector.
This discreet arrival and carefully managed schedule highlight the couple's ongoing transition away from traditional royal duties. Their 2018 royal tour cost Australian taxpayers just under $411,000, according to documents released by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in 2019, further emphasizing the shift towards privately funded activities.
