The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have finished their brisk four-day visit to the east coast of Australia. With an itinerary featuring Indigenous culture, Australian sport, and multiple charitable events, their tour bore the hallmarks of a traditional royal visit. However, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, now no longer working royals, were here in a private capacity. In stark contrast to their last visit in 2018, which saw tens of thousands of people turn out to greet them, this time most Australians the BBC spoke to were either unaware or uninterested in their presence.
This disinterest was accompanied by backlash after it emerged that Australian taxpayers might foot some security costs for their public engagements. Giselle Bastin, an associate professor at Flinders University, indicated that Harry and Meghan's appearances seemed carefully controlled to avoid negative interactions, which helped in minimizing potential public backlash.
Despite the low turnout, the couple engaged warmly with fans, such as when Harry met Michelle Haywood beneath the Sydney Opera House, presenting her with a treasured photo of her late mother, who had met him in the past. Meghan similarly displayed her warmth, connecting with local residents and emphasizing themes of mental health during various engagements.
While the couple's presence was intended to focus on goodwill, they also faced scrutiny regarding their commercial ventures during the trip, including paid appearances and Meghan's investment in an AI fashion platform. Critics raised concerns over the appropriateness of these endeavors amid a cost-of-living crisis.
Ultimately, the Sussexes' Australian visit may reflect a shift in the public's view of them, marked by reduced engagement compared to their previous royal duties, yet there remains a dedicated supporter base that appreciates their charitable contributions.
This disinterest was accompanied by backlash after it emerged that Australian taxpayers might foot some security costs for their public engagements. Giselle Bastin, an associate professor at Flinders University, indicated that Harry and Meghan's appearances seemed carefully controlled to avoid negative interactions, which helped in minimizing potential public backlash.
Despite the low turnout, the couple engaged warmly with fans, such as when Harry met Michelle Haywood beneath the Sydney Opera House, presenting her with a treasured photo of her late mother, who had met him in the past. Meghan similarly displayed her warmth, connecting with local residents and emphasizing themes of mental health during various engagements.
While the couple's presence was intended to focus on goodwill, they also faced scrutiny regarding their commercial ventures during the trip, including paid appearances and Meghan's investment in an AI fashion platform. Critics raised concerns over the appropriateness of these endeavors amid a cost-of-living crisis.
Ultimately, the Sussexes' Australian visit may reflect a shift in the public's view of them, marked by reduced engagement compared to their previous royal duties, yet there remains a dedicated supporter base that appreciates their charitable contributions.
