Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent trip to Australia has sparked discussion after the couple’s engagements began to resemble a traditional royal tour.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are currently in Australia as part of their business and charitable commitments, but their structured four-day schedule has surprised some royal commentators. According to royal expert Emily Andrews, the couple’s itinerary appears to closely mirror the style of official royal visits.
Emily Andrews, writing for Woman & Home, explained that she was initially told the trip would not be a formal tour. Instead, it was described as a series of private business meetings focused on potential suppliers and partners for Meghan’s “As Ever” brand, with minimal media involvement.
She also noted that Prince Harry’s role was expected to be limited, aside from a corporate speaking engagement at a mental health summit, joking that he might also take part in casual activities such as surfing or supporting Invictus-related initiatives.
However, when the full public itinerary was released, Andrews expressed surprise at how closely it resembled a classic royal tour schedule.
The planned engagements reportedly include a visit to Canberra’s National War Memorial with a Last Post ceremony, a visit to a children’s hospital, attendance at a women’s refuge, sailing in Sydney Harbour, and watching a rugby match. These appearances, she said, effectively complete what she described as a “royal tour bingo full house.”
She further questioned why the couple had chosen to take on so many public, royal-style engagements and suggested it may be linked to improving their public relations and media image following recent criticism.
