Meghan Markle Faces Backlash Over Australian Tour Conduct
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have come under intense scrutiny during their recent trip to Australia, with royal commentators accusing the Duchess of Sussex of inappropriate behaviour. The criticism centres on allegations that Meghan timed the promotion of her new fashion platform alongside visits to vulnerable individuals, including terminally ill children at The Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne.
Fashion App Promotion Amid Hospital Visit Sparks Outrage
During an appearance on TalkTV, royal commentator Kinsey Schofield launched a scathing attack on Meghan Markle's actions. Schofield described how Meghan had recently become an investor and featured participant in OneOff, an AI-powered fashion discovery platform where users can purchase items from her wardrobe. The commentator expressed outrage that this commercial venture was being promoted simultaneously with hospital visits.
"Meghan posed next to children who were dying from cancer, anorexic teenagers, in an outfit," Schofield fumed during the broadcast. "Within minutes, those outfits were available on this app. She's using these victims and ill children to sell her clothing for a commission."
Schofield went further, describing the actions as "the most vile thing I've ever seen in my life" and suggesting that the late Queen Elizabeth would have been "disgusted" by such behaviour. The commentator emphasised the vulnerability of the children involved, noting that some might not survive their illnesses, which made the commercial association particularly troubling.
Tour Described as "Weird" and Low Effort
TalkTV host Kevin O'Sullivan joined the criticism, characterising the couple's Australian tour as "weird" and suggesting it began with what he called "faux visits" to women's refugee centres and children's hospitals. He described these as "the usual PR pitches" designed to create a positive public image.
The criticism extended to a separate event where attendees reportedly paid £1,700 to spend time with Meghan Markle. O'Sullivan highlighted that the Duchess only remained at this gathering for approximately two hours before departing, which he characterised as "outrageous" given the substantial fee charged to participants.
Schofield supported this assessment, stating: "Both of those people are very low effort. Meghan doesn't want to do the hard stuff, she doesn't want to go all over the world and represent the British Royal Family." The commentator suggested Meghan preferred easier commercial opportunities, such as lucrative Instagram posts, over traditional royal duties.
No Sympathy for Supporters
In perhaps her most direct criticism, Schofield admitted she had "no sympathy whatsoever" for anyone who paid substantial sums to attend events featuring Meghan Markle. She characterised such payments as essentially funding "to stroke Meghan's ego" rather than supporting meaningful charitable work.
The royal commentator's remarks reflect growing scrutiny of how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex balance their commercial ventures with their charitable and public engagements. The Australian tour, which occurred in April 2026, has become a focal point for critics who question the couple's motivations and methods as they establish their post-royal working lives.
These criticisms emerge against the backdrop of Prince Harry's own activities during the tour, including dancing with the daughter of a veteran, which received more positive coverage. However, the focus has remained firmly on the allegations against Meghan Markle regarding the timing of her fashion platform promotion alongside visits to vulnerable individuals.
