Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wrap up Australian tour with rugby at Allianz Stadium

Dorothy Reddin
Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:23:33 +0000

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle brought their four-day Australian visit to a close this evening with a sporting finale at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex watched from the stands as the NSW Waratahs took on Moana Pasifika in a rugby union fixture.

The pair appeared in good spirits throughout the match, with the duchess opting for a camel-coloured coat from Camilla and Marc and Manolo Blahnik heels, while her husband chose an all-black ensemble.

Rugby holds particular significance for the 41-year-old prince, who previously served as patron of the English Rugby Football Union before relinquishing the role when the couple stepped back from royal duties in 2020.

Upon arriving in Melbourne at the start of the tour, the duchess undertook a solo engagement at McAuley Community Services for Women, an organisation providing support to women and children facing family violence and homelessness.

The 44-year-old wasted no time getting involved, putting on an apron and joining staff on the kitchen line to help serve frittatas to those using the service.

She subsequently sat down to share a meal with people at the centre, remarking: "We landed here this morning, so my jet lag hasn't quite hit yet."

The trip also featured a surprise appearance by Meghan on MasterChef Australia.

The Duke of Sussex made his own independent appearance on April 15, attending a Movember charity event at the Western Bulldogs' headquarters in Melbourne.

During the gathering, he spoke with local fathers and their children about his experiences as a parent, and was presented with club jerseys for his son Prince Archie, six, and daughter Princess Lilibet, four.

The prince also had a go at Australian rules football with some of the players.

Bulldogs midfielder Adam Treloar offered his assessment to People: "He kicked the ball okay, actually. When foreigners come to Australia and pick up a footy, the handballing can be a bit awkward, but Prince Harry's kicking form was good."

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Prior to the rugby fixture, the couple made a joint appearance at the Her Best Life podcast's "Girl's Weekend" retreat at the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach.

Co-hosts Jackie Henderson and Gemma O'Neill had announced the duchess's participation last month, having connected with her through mutual acquaintance Markus Anderson.

Ms O'Neill spoke of her admiration for the duchess, stating: "I am, like, beside myself, because I have admired this woman, and what she has endured, how she's risen above it, and how she has demonstrated how a woman can be pushed down, and she can still rise."

She added that Meghan was participating because "she really loves what our community is about, which is women trying to grow, trying to be their best selves and trying to help other women."