Meghan Markle steps out without Prince Harry for solo engagement in Australia

Svar Nanan-Sen
Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:40:03 +0000

Meghan Markle undertook her first independent engagement of the Australian visit on Tuesday afternoon, stopping at a homeless services facility for women in Melbourne.

The Duchess of Sussex, 44, donned an apron and dished up frittata to those using the centre.

"Is anyone else hungry?" she enquired after serving several people, looking at ease as she smiled at journalists and visitors present.

The duchess subsequently took a seat alongside women having their meal, mentioning that jet lag had not yet caught up with her following their morning landing.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

The visit represents the couple's first return to Australia since their 2018 royal tour, with the trip being privately funded and their two children remaining at home.

The centre is operated by McAuley Community Services for Women, an organisation dedicated to assisting women and children who are confronting family violence, homelessness and associated difficulties.

The facility provides crucial support to some of Melbourne's most vulnerable residents, offering services to those navigating challenging circumstances.

Prince Archie, aged six, and Princess Lilibet, four, did not accompany their parents on this Australian journey.

Earlier that morning, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, where enthusiastic crowds lined the walkways and balconies to welcome them.

The hospital holds particular significance, having been visited by Princess Diana during her 1983 Australian tour.

Several young patients had memorable encounters with the royal couple during the hospital visit. Novalie Morris, a 12-year-old patient who presented Harry with flowers, told People: "I gave Harry flowers and he said 'thank you' and he told me to 'keep on being brave.' It cheered me up a lot and I'll keep thinking about that."

Among those present was six-week-old Millie, who had been discharged just three days earlier and returned for a check-up.

Her mother Zoe described the meeting as a bright moment following a difficult period, telling People: "One day, I'll be able to tell her she met the prince."

A four-year-old patient named Lily presented the couple with a handmade welcome sign and gave Meghan a flower.

The duchess responded warmly, embracing Lily and exclaiming: "Oh my gosh, this is so sweet. I love it." Harry greeted the young girl, complimenting her "beautiful" sign and asking how long it had taken to create.

The couple's Australian itinerary includes both public and private commitments. Meghan is set to headline a "girls weekend" retreat in Sydney organised by the Her Best Life podcast, whilst Harry will deliver a keynote address on workplace mental health at the InterEdge Psychosocial Safety Summit in Melbourne.

Their previous Australian visit took place in October 2018, a 16-day official royal tour encompassing Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand, during which they supported the Invictus Games in Sydney.