Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Embrace Informal Address During Australia Tour
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have made their preferences clear regarding how they should be addressed, opting for a relaxed approach as they kicked off their tour of Australia. The couple, who stepped back as senior working royals in 2020 and lost their HRH titles, were greeted by hundreds of well-wishers in Melbourne, where they visited the Royal Children's Hospital and a women's shelter.
Royal Titles Set Aside for Casual Address
According to reports from The Telegraph, when asked by Steve Cotterill, the inaugural Australian poet laureate at the Australian National Veterans’ Art Museum, how they would like to be addressed, Harry responded with "However you like," while Meghan suggested, "Call me Meg?" This informal stance was echoed by their aides, who told staff at the Royal Children's Hospital that "Harry and Meghan is fine" and described the couple as "pretty relaxed."
Traditionally, male members of the Royal Family are first addressed as 'Your Royal Highness' followed by 'Sir,' and female members as 'Your Royal Highness' and then 'Ma'am.' However, since their departure from royal duties, Harry and Meghan have distanced themselves from these formalities, embracing a more approachable public image during their current visit.
Wellness Retreat Faces Ticket Sales Challenges
Amid their tour, Meghan is scheduled to appear at a "girls’ weekend" retreat in Sydney, hosted by the Her Best Life podcast. Tickets for the event, which includes a fire-side chat with Meghan, yoga classes, panel events, and a disco party, are priced at £1,400 each, with VIP options costing £1,670 for additional perks like a group photo with the duchess.
Despite initial claims that the exclusive event, capped at 300 guests, had sold out, it has now emerged that not all tickets have been purchased. The Her Best Life podcast recently posted on Instagram about "final last minute availability," and organizers previously mentioned that the hotel had "kindly released a handful of additional rooms," encouraging inquiries via direct message.
Attendees are required to have security clearance, and the use of mobile phones is strictly prohibited at the retreat, which aims to offer "an unforgettable weekend for women ready to reconnect, recharge and have some serious fun."
Tour Focuses on Community and Mental Health
Harry and Meghan's office stated that their four-day visit to Australia will focus on mental health, community resilience, and support for veterans and their families, alongside private meetings and special projects. The couple also plans to engage in private commercial engagements separate from their public visits.
Their tour began with a warm reception in Melbourne, where they hugged patients at the children's hospital, posed for selfies, and received flowers and a welcome card. Meghan later visited a women's shelter before reuniting with Harry at the veteran's museum, highlighting their commitment to charitable causes during this trip.
