Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were greeted by huge crowds on their visit to Australia—after a heated debate Down Under about whether their arrival would be good for the country.
Why It Matters
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were hugely popular around the world for a number of years but saw a major dip in 2023, with negative reactions in Australia as well as the U.K. and America, after a series of interviews in which they publicly criticized the royal family.
This antipathy was reflected in debates before their recent arrival on Australian shores about whether it was right that Australian taxpayers are footing the bill for policing their visit.
Needless to say, there is still significant interest in the couple in Australia and it is one of the countries in which Meghan hopes to market her As Ever lifestyle shop when she eventually takes it global.
Meghan and Harry’s Hospital Visit
Meghan and Harry visited The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne on April 14, marking the first public engagement of their three‑day visit to the city.
The couple spent time with young patients, families and staff at the hospital, which was also visited by King Charles III and Princess Diana during a 1985 tour.
ABC News in Australia quoted 17‑year‑old patient Scarlett McGowan who said: “It was fun, Harry was very easy to chat to. He asked me how my care was and I had to point out how beautiful and how lovely our nurses are, they take such good care of us.
“I was woken up and told I was going downstairs to meet Harry and Meghan and I thought: ‘I think you’re joking, but OK’. I don’t get off the ward very much so it was very nice to come down and be human for a little bit.”
The British media also seemed to feel the visit went well, with the Daily Telegraph‘s Victoria Ward writing: “The couple arrived at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne to as big a crowd as I have ever seen on such an engagement.
“The young patients, staff and families clamoured to get a glimpse of the VIP visitors as they shook hands, hugged and waved their way through the corridors in the course of 45 minutes.”
The size of the crowd and the positivity toward the couple will help reassure the couple that they do still have fans in Australia, even if there is some negativity in the media.
Australian Backlash Against Prince Harry and Meghan
Harry and Meghan’s arrival in Australia sparked debate before their first engagement had even taken place following reports that local police would be required.
Jess Wilson, leader of the opposition Liberal Party in the state of Victoria, said earlier in the week: “Suggestions today that Harry and Meghan, who are coming here as private citizens for a commercial purpose, may be provided Victoria police security or protection at taxpayer expense should appall every single Victorian.
“Victoria police are there to provide security and safety for Victorians. They are funded by the taxpayer, and we are standing here today talking about the fact that they are under-resourced—that we’re closing police stations in this state because we simply do not have enough police officers.
“Any suggestion that officers are going to be pulled off duty to provide security and protection for Harry and Megan’s visit is absolutely unacceptable, and the government needs to rule out that this is occurring.”
Newsweek's reporters and editors used Martyn, our Al assistant, to help produce this story. Learn more about Martyn.