A significant public backlash has emerged in Australia ahead of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's upcoming visit, with more than 35,000 citizens signing a petition demanding that no taxpayer money be spent on the quasi-royal trip. The petition, organised by advocacy group Beyond Australia and titled 'No Taxpayer-Funding or Official Support for Harry and Meghan's Private Visit to Australia', calls on government officials to refrain from contributing financially to the visit scheduled for next month.
Couple's Spokesman Responds to Petition
A spokesman for Harry and Meghan has now responded forcefully to the growing controversy, insisting unequivocally that the entire trip will be privately funded. The spokesman dismissed the petition as largely irrelevant given this funding arrangement, stating: 'It's a moot point. The trip is being funded privately, so I’m not sure what this petition hopes to achieve.'
In a pointed rebuttal, the spokesman also highlighted the petition's limited reach compared to Australia's total population, noting: 'Of course, if you wanted to dive into the ridiculousness of this petition as an agenda for spreading misinformation, then one could equally hypothesise that there are approximately 26.5 million Australians (99.98 per cent of the population) who haven't signed it.' He added that suggesting this meant they supported taxpayer funding would be 'another equally stupid assertion to make.'
Cost-of-Living Concerns Drive Petition
The petition organisers have framed their campaign around Australia's current economic challenges, arguing that public resources should be prioritised for essential services rather than high-profile visitors. On the petition site, Beyond Australia stated: 'The activities are private and commercial and must be treated strictly as a private visit.'
The group emphasised: 'At a time when Australians are facing significant cost-of-living pressures, including rising grocery bills, fuel prices, mortgage stress driven by interest rate hikes, and increasing energy costs, public resources must be used responsibly and applied fairly without special treatment for high-profile individuals.'
Previous Visit and Current Controversy
Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, previously visited Australia in 2018 when they were both senior working members of the Royal Family. During that official tour, the couple received police escorts wherever they travelled and stayed at the Governor-General's residence overlooking Sydney Harbour.
The current visit has been shrouded in speculation about who would fund security and other arrangements, with both federal and state governments in Australia previously declining to confirm whether taxpayers would bear any costs. This uncertainty helped fuel the petition campaign that has now garnered tens of thousands of signatures.
Meghan's Event Faces Additional Challenges
The latest controversy comes as Meghan's planned appearance at an Australian women-only event encounters practical difficulties. The Duchess has confirmed she will still appear at the inaugural 'Her Best Life Retreat' in Sydney between April 17 and 19, despite recent setbacks at the venue.
The sold-out event, dubbed 'Meg-stock', is set to welcome around 300 guests to the three-day luxury retreat at the Intercontinental Hotel overlooking Coogee Beach. However, the establishment is racing to complete construction work before the event begins.
Recent reports indicate that the new infinity pool overlooking the Tasman Sea remains under construction, while the spa, bar and 'leisure deck' are also scheduled for completion next month. One recent hotel guest described the pool refurbishment as 'a work in progress' and 'a blot on the view.'
Additionally, those hoping to enjoy the beach below the hotel have concerns about environmental issues, with foul-smelling 'poop balls' – composed of chemicals, soap scum, cooking oil, hair and human excrement – reportedly washing up since 2024.
Despite these venue challenges, VIP ticket holders for Meghan's event will receive front-row seats and a group photograph with the Duchess herself at the gala. The controversy surrounding both the petition and the event's practical difficulties ensures that Harry and Meghan's return to Australia will be closely watched by critics and supporters alike.
