Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s upcoming visit to Australia in April is already facing backlash, with a petition against taxpayer funding gathering over 37,000 signatures. The Change.org petition, titled ‘No Taxpayer-Funding or Official Support for Harry & Meghan’s Private Visit to Australia’, argues that the trip is private and commercial, not an official royal engagement.
Royal commentator Amanda Platell said the couple have broken “two golden Aussie rules – no snitching and no whingeing”. Australian journalist Tom Sykes warned the visit could stir a “bonfire of resentment”. The petition has been backed by a domestic advocacy group, which urged ministers to treat the visit strictly as a private one.
Meghan is set to be the star guest at a three-day luxury retreat called ‘Megstock’, with tickets starting at £1,400 per person. The ‘Her Best Life Retreat’ runs from April 17 at a hotel above Coogee beach, with VIP packages including a group photo with Meghan. This comes after Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, ended its £75m partnership with Netflix.
A representative for the Sussexes dismissed the petition, calling it a “moot point” as the trip is privately funded. However, critics argue the petition reflects growing resentment towards the couple’s attempts to maintain a semi-royal status after stepping down as working royals in 2020.
