harry meghan

Harry and Meghan’s ‘Private’ Tour Sparks Outcry Down Under: What’s Really Going On?

By [Your Name], Royal Correspondent | Updated April 2024

The Buzz That’s Got Australia Talking

It started with a whisper—then a roar. In recent weeks, Harry and Meghan Markle have found themselves back in the Australian spotlight, not as beloved royals on an official state visit, but as private tour operators offering exclusive experiences for A$3,000 a pop. While the couple has long been a magnet for global attention, this latest chapter has stirred sharp debate across the country, with critics accusing them of “grifting” their way back into the public eye.

The controversy began when details emerged of a so-called “private tour”—marketed through Sussex-branded merchandise and social media teasers—that would allow select Australians to “hang out” with Prince Harry and Meghan during a planned stopover in Sydney. But what began as speculation quickly turned into headlines, with major Australian outlets like Adelaide Now, The Daily Telegraph, and Herald Sun running stories questioning the ethics and authenticity of the arrangement.

Recent Developments: From Royal Tours to Paid Events

So far, there is no official confirmation from the Sussexes’ team or the UK monarchy that such a paid meet-and-greet has been scheduled. However, multiple Australian news sources have reported on the alleged plan, citing unnamed insiders close to the couple’s management team.

One key development came from former Australian Prime Minister David Elliott, who claimed he was warned by Meghan during a previous visit in 2023 that her approach to public appearances was “troubling.” In a recent interview with The Daily Telegraph, Elliott recalled telling colleagues, “I knew Meghan was trouble last trip. She didn’t want to engage with the people—just with the cameras and the narrative.”

Meanwhile, Adelaide Now published a piece titled Inside Harry & Meghan’s ‘private’ tour: Here come the grifters, which alleges that the Sussexes are attempting to monetise their royal connections under the guise of a personalised experience. The article quotes a tourism industry insider saying, “This feels less like a cultural exchange and more like a VIP scam. You’re not getting a royal; you’re paying for a curated performance.”

The most explosive claim comes from Herald Sun, which reports that the couple may be pivoting from traditional royal duties to a new business model: high-end, invitation-only events where attendees pay upwards of A$3,000 for “access” to Harry and Meghan. The outlet describes it as a “toxic U-turn” from their earlier pledge to step back from public life after leaving the monarchy.

A Timeline of Controversies

To understand why this latest development is causing such a stir in Australia, it helps to look at the couple’s history Down Under:

The 2018 tour remains one of the most popular royal visits in Australian history. Millions watched Harry’s impromptu dance at the Invictus Games, while Meghan charmed crowds with her warmth and accessibility. That image—of a relatable, down-to-earth couple—has been carefully cultivated ever since, even as their relationship with the British monarchy has grown strained.

Now, with rumours of a return, the question isn’t just whether Australians will welcome them back—it’s whether they should.

Why This Matters: The Broader Context

Australia has long held a unique relationship with the British royal family. As a constitutional monarchy with deep historical ties to the Crown, the monarchy remains a significant cultural symbol. Yet public opinion has shifted dramatically over the past decade—especially after the death of Princess Diana and the growing awareness of systemic issues within the institution.

Harry and Meghan were once seen as agents of change—a fresh, diverse face for the monarchy. But their decision to leave royal duties and pursue financial independence through ventures like Netflix and Spotify has led to mixed reactions.

In Australia, the backlash has been particularly strong. Many feel the couple has overstayed their welcome. “They left the job,” said one Melbourne-based royal historian, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Now they want to come back on their terms, selling access like concert tickets. It feels transactional.”

Moreover, the timing couldn’t be worse. With King Charles III still navigating his first year on the throne and Prince William stepping up his duties, the monarchy is under intense scrutiny. Any appearance by Harry and Meghan—especially one that appears self-serving—risks reigniting old tensions.

Immediate Effects: Social Media Frenzy and Public Reaction

The news has exploded across social media, with hashtags like #NotMyRoyalTour and #GriftWatch trending across Twitter and TikTok. Memes abound, with users photoshopping Harry and Meghan into scenes from The Apprentice or Shark Tank, complete with price tags.

Public sentiment is divided. Some supporters argue that everyone deserves a chance to connect with public figures, and that the couple should be free to monetise their fame. Others point out that the royal family has always been funded by the public purse—why shouldn’t they now?

“They took millions in taxpayer money during their royal years,” wrote one commenter on Facebook. “Now they want to charge people to see them? That’s not freedom—that’s exploitation.”

Meanwhile, tourism officials in Sydney and Melbourne are watching closely. If the tour goes ahead, it could boost short-term revenue for luxury hotels and event venues. But if it’s perceived as a publicity stunt, it might damage Australia’s reputation as a welcoming destination.

What Happens Next?

As of now, there is no confirmed schedule for Harry and Meghan’s return to Australia. Their representatives have not responded to repeated requests for comment from Adelaide Now, The Daily Telegraph, and other outlets.

But if the “private tour” materialises, it will likely face legal scrutiny. Australian consumer protection laws prohibit misleading advertising, and any attempt to market the experience as a royal engagement could invite complaints to the ACCC.

More broadly, the episode raises important questions about the future of royal branding. Can former royals legally profit from their titles? And how much control do they really have over their public image?

For now, Australians are left wondering: will Harry and Meghan return as guests… or as gatekeepers?

One thing is clear—the buzz around their potential comeback shows no signs of fading. Whether they’re welcomed with open arms or cold shoulders, one truth remains: in a world where attention is currency, Harry and Meghan are still cashing in.

Sources:

• Adelaide Now: Inside Harry & Meghan’s ‘private’ tour: Here come the grifters
  https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/education/the-grifters-are-coming-inside-harry-and-meghans-private-tour-susie-obrien/news-story/fc9fded57759da01812d6164b391b96c

• The Daily Telegraph: David Elliott: ‘I knew Meghan was trouble last trip’
  https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/david-elliott-reveals-warning-signs-on-sussexes-last-trip-to-sydney/news-story/c7866a6ef2b5a8712cc2fa6a37f2e78b

• Herald Sun: For $3K you can hang out with me: Meghan and Harry’s ‘toxic’ U-turn
  [https://www.heraldsun.com.au/ent