King Charles has drawn attention for a generous gesture, while Harry and Meghan face scrutiny over commercial activities during their Australian visit earlier this year. The contrast highlights differing public perceptions of the royals.
Sussexes' Australian Visit
Harry and Meghan, who are not working members of the Royal Family, toured Australia, appearing as if they were still core members. The couple faced accusations of using the visit for personal gain. They visited charities, but Meghan also held an "in-person conversation" at a wellness retreat at a five-star Sydney beachside hotel. Guests reportedly paid up to £1,674 to attend a "girls' weekend," with a VIP package including a group photograph with Meghan.
The BBC reported that it is not known what the Duchess would be paid. It has been speculated that Australia is a potentially bountiful market for Meghan's As Ever lifestyle company, which is believed to have registered trademarks in 12 different product categories in Australia in 2025. Harry also delivered a speech at a summit, with tickets costing up to £1,260 per person.
King Charles's Generous Gesture
Meanwhile, in the UK, King Charles has made headlines for giving away rather than accumulating wealth. He surprised Emily Hurst, offering an entire field of Maris Widgeon wheat from his Sandringham Estate to the hat maker after learning of her difficulty sourcing straw. While this gesture is a drop in the ocean compared to the monarch's property portfolio, it paints Charles in a positive light among royal fans.
Other Royal Controversies
The article also notes past controversies involving Sarah Ferguson, who was given £15,000 by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and offered to sell access to her ex-husband, then Prince Andrew. Andrew himself used Ministry of Defence (MoD) planes for two golfing trips to St Andrews, costing taxpayers more than £7,300, and faced claims he was paid £750,000 for "assistance" with an elderly Turkish woman's passport.
Public opinion, according to YouGov, places Charles as the fourth most popular royal, while Harry, Meghan, and Fergie rank 11th, 14th, and 18th respectively. Andrew does not appear on the leaderboard.
