Sussexes' Australia Tour Could Pave Way for UK Return, Source Reveals
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, are reportedly considering a possible return to the United Kingdom if their upcoming tour of Australia proves successful, according to a well-placed insider. The couple is scheduled to travel to Australia this month, marking their first joint visit to the country since their 2018 royal tour, which occurred just five months after their wedding and included the announcement of Meghan's pregnancy with their son Archie.
Tour Seen as Test Case for Future UK Visits
This year's tour has drawn inevitable comparisons to their previous visit, but with a key distinction: Harry and Meghan will not be attending as working royals, following their highly publicised fallout with the monarchy, often referred to as "The Firm." An insider speaking to the Sun newspaper indicated that the Australia trip is being viewed as a test case or blueprint for a potential joint tour in the UK. The source emphasised, "It is a significant joint tour and could prove to be a blueprint for future tours together of this type."
However, any return to British soil is contingent on resolving ongoing security concerns. Prince Harry has previously stated he will not come back to the UK without 24-hour security funded by taxpayers, a point of contention since the couple stepped back from royal duties. Meghan has not set foot in the UK since the late Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in 2022, highlighting the prolonged absence.
Security Review and Potential UK Events
A security review is currently underway to determine whether the Metropolitan Police will be compelled to provide armed guards for the Sussexes during any future UK visits. This decision could have significant implications, potentially enabling Harry and Meghan to return for an event one year prior to the start of the Invictus Games in Birmingham, or they might attend the event itself the following year. The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry, is an international adaptive sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, making it a likely focal point for any UK engagement.
Regarding the Australia tour, a spokesman for the couple confirmed, "Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will visit Australia to take part in a number of private, business and philanthropic engagements." Meghan is set to be the star attraction at a women-only event in Sydney, while Harry will address a mental health conference in Melbourne. It is understood that their children, Archie and Lilibet, will not accompany them on this trip.
Historical Context and Current Dynamics
The upcoming tour evokes memories of their 2018 visit, which included stops in Tonga and Australia over 16 days, a period marked by public enthusiasm and personal milestones. Now, eight years later, the dynamics have shifted dramatically due to their departure from royal life and subsequent moves, including relocating to the United States. The insider's claims suggest that a successful Australia tour could demonstrate their ability to navigate international engagements independently, potentially easing the path for a UK return.
As the couple prepares for their Australian itinerary, all eyes will be on how the tour unfolds, with its outcomes possibly shaping their future travel plans and relations with the UK. The blend of private, business, and philanthropic activities mirrors their post-royal career focus, and its reception may influence broader perceptions and opportunities.
