Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are gearing up for a special trip to Australia where they will engage in various charitable activities in Sydney and Melbourne. Their visit, scheduled for mid-April, marks their first trip to Australia in over seven years.
Although not an official royal visit, royal author Tom Bower has criticized the trip as being driven by financial motives, labelling it as “grubby” and a “cash grab.” Bower claimed that Meghan is going against a promise she made to the late Queen Elizabeth by commercializing her royal status.
The couple’s itinerary includes individual engagements, with Meghan headlining a ‘girls weekend’ retreat in Sydney. Attendees are expected to pay starting at £1,439 for the event, which covers accommodation, access to various activities, and a chance to interact with the Duchess.
On the other hand, Prince Harry will be speaking at the InterEdge Summit in Melbourne, focusing on mental health and workplace well-being. Ticket sales proceeds will go to Lifeline, a mental health charity. Additional details of their plans in Australia are yet to be disclosed.
Ahead of their trip, Meghan has made a significant move by trademarking her lifestyle brand, As Ever, in Australia. The brand, currently available only in the U.S., covers various products like cosmetics, fragrances, and beverages, hinting at a potential global expansion.
PR expert Dermot McNamara views this Australian trip as a crucial opportunity for Harry and Meghan to define their future paths. He emphasized that the journey could help them establish a balance between their roles as public figures and their personal aspirations.
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