Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's upcoming trip to Australia later this month, combined with new TV and film projects, could heighten tensions with the royal family, according to royal author Richard Palmer. The couple's visit, their first to Australia since 2018, is expected to include private, business, and philanthropic engagements, such as Meghan's appearance at a women-only retreat and Harry's keynote speech on workplace mental health.
Palmer suggested the Sussexes may view the trip as a way to silence critics, but warned it risks overshadowing key royal milestones in the UK, including the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II's birth, Prince Louis's eighth birthday, and the 15th wedding anniversary of Prince William and Kate Middleton. 'Their Australia trip is one of the most anticipated royal events of the year,' Palmer said. 'If it is a huge success, it will be Meghan's revenge.'
Since stepping down as working royals in 2020, Harry and Meghan have full control over their schedule, which Palmer said may annoy King Charles and other family members if the couple garners significant media attention that overshadows events back home. 'There still seems to be an awful lot of tension,' he noted, adding that while Buckingham Palace and the Sussex camp are in communication, scheduling conflicts are no longer a consideration for the couple.
The trip coincides with reports that Meghan may launch her As Ever lifestyle brand in Australia. Meanwhile, Archewell Productions is working on at least one new TV show and two films with Netflix, including a polo-themed series described as an 'upstairs-downstairs drama'. Palmer noted that the Sussexes divide public opinion in Australia, with staunch monarchists viewing them as having betrayed the monarchy, while others find them glamorous and may support their ventures.
