Insider Breaks Silence on Harry and Meghan's Australia Visit Amid Backlash
A source close to Prince Harry and Meghan has delivered a scathing response to the "misinformation" surrounding their upcoming trip to Australia, branding the backlash as "irrational" hate bait. The Sussexes are heading to Australia for the first time since their official royal tour in 2018, but critics have already dubbed the jaunt a "pseudo-royal" tour and raised concerns about costs to taxpayers.
Private Funding and Charitable Focus Defended
According to those in their inner circle, the couple's trip is entirely privately funded, with a spokesperson confirming that Australians are not paying for it. The insider revealed to the Mirror that the visit is for legitimate work and to support charitable causes, particularly the Invictus Games, which Harry founded. "The truth is you have a couple heading down under for work. While they're in town, they’re going to check-in on some charitable causes that they have long supported," the source said.
The couple's camp argues that their presence can help shine a light on charitable work, bringing media attention that might not otherwise exist. "They could just as easily get paid and head straight back to California. It's an irrational reaction to s***-can a couple who just want to support some the charitable causes close to them," the insider added, suggesting the world could use "a little more Harry and Meghan" and less sniping from royal commentators.
Contrast with 2018 Royal Tour and Current Reception
The couple's last visit to Australia in 2018 was a 16-day official royal tour shortly after their wedding, marked by public adoration and the announcement of Meghan's first pregnancy. However, their position has changed significantly since stepping back from royal duties in 2020. Royal experts express uncertainty about their reception this time, with some noting that Harry's public criticisms of the Royal Family may affect their popularity.
Mick Carroll, editor-in-chief of news.com.au, commented, "It's hard to predict what the reception will be this time. There's definitely still a high level of fascination for them, although all the comments have been pretty negative." Royal author Valentine Low echoed this, pointing out that Harry might be less popular due to perceived complaints, but acknowledged the couple's "celebrity gloss" appeals to some over the "stuffy" royal atmosphere.
Petition and Misinformation Debunked
A petition from advocacy group Beyond Australia, signed by over 32,000 people, urged the government not to fund the trip, but the Sussexes' spokesperson dismissed it as moot since the visit is privately funded. The spokesperson criticized the petition for spreading misinformation, noting that the vast majority of Australians haven't signed it, though they emphasized this doesn't imply support for taxpayer funding.
Duncan Larcombe, author of Prince Harry: The Inside Story, questioned the trip's purpose, saying, "I think Australia has its fair share of Republicans, which is fair enough, but even some of the die-hard Royalists are very angry with Harry and Meghan for the way they've behaved." He predicted mixed reactions, with sycophantic meetings but broader public skepticism.
Event Details and Commercial Activities
During their stay, Meghan will speak at a gala dinner billed as "a girls' weekend like no other" and participate in a fireside chat, with VIP tickets costing around £1,700. The couple's spokesperson confirmed they will engage in commercial, private, and charitable events, highlighting the blend of work and philanthropy that defines their post-royal endeavors.
In his memoir Spare, Harry reflected on the 2018 tour, expressing anxiety about Meghan's success mirroring his mother Princess Diana's experiences. Despite the current controversy, the insider insists the trip aims to do good, countering what they see as baseless criticism driven by media narratives.
