Prince Harry and Meghan Markle appear to be facing mounting resistance from Australians ahead of their upcoming high-cost visit.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly encountering an unexpected wave of criticism as they prepare for their trip, which insiders are now calling a “faux royal tour.” According to sources, the visit is already becoming chaotic even before it begins.
Scheduled for next month, the couple’s itinerary mixes business-related appearances with personal projects—an approach noticeably different from their 2018 tour, when they were active senior members of the Royal Family.
Meghan is expected to lead a three-day wellness program titled Her Best Life Retreat, while Prince Harry is booked to speak at a psychosocial safety conference in Melbourne.
Despite these plans, more than 32,000 people have signed a petition urging the Australian government not to allocate public funds for the couple’s security or logistical arrangements.
A source told Radar Online that many Australians view the visit as “a faux royal tour,” saying it resembles an official royal engagement yet lacks the formal status needed to justify such treatment. “This is why some are calling it a complete mess before it has even started,” the insider added.
Another commentator noted that the blend of commercial activities, steep ticket prices, and expected security arrangements feels disconnected from current public sentiment—especially during a time of financial strain.
Further reports suggest that Harry and Meghan’s mix of celebrity-style appearances with elements resembling traditional royal visits is raising eyebrows, particularly because such tours typically involve oversight and accountability.
“This hybrid approach is stirring controversy, especially when people believe public resources could be involved,” one insider said.
Others close to the situation claim that the couple’s expectations may not align with reality. “To some, this feels like an effort to recreate the visibility they once had as working royals—but in a commercial setting. That’s where the friction is coming from,” a source explained.
Despite the backlash, interest in Meghan’s wellness retreat remains strong, and Prince Harry’s appearance in Melbourne is still expected to attract significant attention from workplace safety and mental health professionals.
