Harry and Meghan mix charity and business on Australia visit

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have landed in Australia for a four-day trip that blends charitable activities with private, profit-driven ventures. No longer holding official royal titles, they are visiting as independent citizens, with the itinerary focused on both community engagement and commercial opportunities.

Engagements in Melbourne

On Tuesday, the couple arrived at Melbourne airport at 06:30 local time, stepping off a Qantas flight from Los Angeles. Their first stop was the Royal Children’s Hospital, where hundreds gathered in the foyer to see them. The pair interacted with young patients, their families, and medical staff, sharing hugs and selfies with attendees.

“We just found out they were coming so we hung around,” said Emily Burke, who brought her three-year-old daughter Phoebe to the hospital. “Meghan came and had a little chat with Phoebe… she was commenting on her Bluey slippers.”

Summit and wellness events

Prince Harry will deliver a keynote speech at the InterEdge Psychosocial Safety Summit in Melbourne later this week, with tickets priced between A$1,000 and A$2,400. Some proceeds will support the charity Lifeline. Meanwhile, Meghan will host an “in-person conversation” at a women-only wellness retreat in Sydney, featuring a VIP package that includes a group photo with her.

Guests at the Sydney event are paying up to A$3,199 for a “girls’ weekend” experience, though it remains unclear how much Meghan will be compensated for her role. The retreat, held at a luxury beachside hotel, has not sold out and is still offering a few extra rooms.

Previous visit and public interactions

Their 2018 trip to Australia, which lasted nearly a week, drew massive crowds and marked a significant chapter in their early royal career. This time, however, there are no public meet-and-greets planned, as the couple aims to reduce public disruption and focus on private partnerships.

Despite their private status, questions linger about whether taxpayer funds are covering costs for security and logistics during their stay. The tour will include stops in Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney, with a mix of charitable meetings and business-focused activities.

Brand and future plans

Notably, Australia may serve as a potential market for Meghan’s As Ever lifestyle brand, which has been highlighted in a Netflix series produced by the couple’s company. Last year, the brand registered trademarks in 12 product categories in the country, according to government records. While no formal announcements have been made, the couple’s schedule suggests they are exploring opportunities to leverage their public profile for commercial gain.