Australians left feeling unmoved by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's visit

Dorothy Reddin
Tue, 21 Apr 2026 07:11:44 +0000

A comprehensive survey has suggested that the overwhelming majority of Australians were unmoved by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent visit to the country.

Research conducted by Roy Morgan, the nation's longest-established independent polling firm, questioned 1,767 adults about their views on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex following their four-day tour.

The findings showed that while over 80 per cent of the population, approximately 18.1 million people, knew the couple had travelled Down Under, awareness failed to translate into warmer feelings.

A substantial 81 per cent of those surveyed indicated the trip had done nothing to enhance their perception of the pair.

Prospects for a family reconciliation appear equally unlikely in Australian eyes, with 87 per cent of respondents dismissing any notion that the trip might help Harry rebuild his relationship with his father.

Just 13 per cent held out hope that the visit could facilitate improved ties with the King.

Despite this, crowds did turn out for the Sussexes in Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney, with well-wishers greeting the couple at events and public walkabouts.

Their visits to places like a children’s hospital and mental health events were well received on the ground, with many praising their focus on community work.

In addition, Meghan's fashion choices were widely praised, especially as the duchess wore so many Australian labels.

One dress by Karen Gee triggered a surge in global demand and website traffic after she wore it in Sydney.

Designers openly praised her for “thoughtful” choices that support emerging brands.

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Meghan's outfits were also made instantly shoppable via a platform partnership, implying an enduring fashion influence.

The couple's itinerary included visits to the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, a women's shelter, and the Australian War Memorial, as well as Harry's attendance at a veterans' art museum.

Meghan also made a guest appearance on MasterChef Australia, while in Sydney, the pair sailed with Invictus Australia veterans and met the survivors of the Bondi Beach terror attack.