Meghan Markle Receives Warm Welcome at Melbourne Homeless Shelter
The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, was showered with compliments as she served lunch to homeless women at a shelter in Melbourne on Tuesday. This engagement marked the first day of a four-day quasi-royal tour of Australia with Prince Harry, a trip that has sparked debate over its commercial nature and funding.
Shelter Visit Highlights Social Issues
After arriving in Melbourne on a business class flight from Los Angeles without their children Archie and Lilibet, the couple began their day at the Royal Children's Hospital. Meghan then carried out a solo engagement at McAuley Community Services for Women, a shelter for homeless women and victims of family violence. Dressed in a striped apron, she was photographed serving frittata to residents, with one woman, identified as Leah, praising her "glowing" complexion and saying, "you look like a model!" Meghan graciously replied, "That's so generous, you are so nice!"
Jocelyn Bignold, CEO of McAuley, expressed appreciation for the attention Meghan's visit brings to homelessness and family violence. "The women are excited to see and meet her. They're also a little bit nervous," she noted, adding that some residents were fans of Meghan's lifestyle show and looked forward to cooking with her.
Fashion and Controversy on Display
Meghan showcased her signature style, wearing a $1,250 navy dress by Australian designer Karen Gee, paired with $1,000 Dior pumps and accessories including yellow gold earrings and Princess Diana's Cartier watch. However, the tour has faced criticism, with some labeling it a "money-making" exercise. Australian business leader Hilary Fordwich called the couple "hypocritical Harry and Me-again Meghan," accusing them of using royal links to fund their lifestyle.
Security costs have also become a point of contention. Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson and Libertarian MP David Limbrick argued that taxpayers should not cover protection for the millionaire couple, with Limbrick stating, "Victorian taxpayers should not be on the hook to provide the security of millionaires."
Harry's Enthusiastic Hospital Visit
Earlier, Prince Harry greeted fans at the Royal Children's Hospital, where he excitedly met a young redheaded fan, exclaiming, "Gingers rule!" Patients shared positive experiences, with one noting that Harry and Meghan wished her "good luck" on her health journey. The couple later toured wards, and Meghan participated in a therapy program with adolescent patients.
Tour Details and Public Reaction
The itinerary includes charity and business events in Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney, with Meghan scheduled to speak at a "Her Best Life" retreat where tickets cost up to $3,199 AUD. Reports suggest her fee for this appearance is around $250,000. Harry will headline the InterEdge Summit in Melbourne, with tickets ranging from £525 to £1,250.
Despite the couple's insistence that the tour is "privately-funded," tens of thousands have signed a petition demanding they cover all security costs. Critic Andrew Bridge remarked, "They are very much about self-promotion. They would probably be my least favourite royals." This visit marks their first return to Australia since their 2018 official tour, with some accusing them of treating the country "like an ATM."
