Meghan Markle and Prince Harry remove public walkabouts from Australia tour

Dorothy Reddin
Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:14:03 +0000

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will not engage in royal walkabouts during their upcoming tour, it has been confirmed.

Unlike the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's previous visit to Australia, which saw crowds lining the streets for walkabouts, the couple will not be meeting members of the public in this manner during the trip.

Sources indicate that security considerations and the expenses associated with maintaining public order remain central to planning decisions.

Prince Harry and Meghan are embarking on a privately funded Australian tour commencing tomorrow, with the duke and duchess travelling to Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney.

The couple's office confirmed the visit will centre on mental health initiatives, community resilience programmes and assistance for veterans and their families, alongside private meetings and special projects. Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, will remain at home for the trip.

It will be the Sussexes' first return to Australia since their 2018 tour, which took place just months after their wedding and drew thousands of well-wishers. The current visit is being funded privately rather than through official channels.

A Change.org petition demanding no taxpayer funding or official support for the private visit has garnered more than 45,000 signatures, with campaigners arguing public funds should not subsidise personal trips.

However, New South Wales Police confirmed it would be mounting an operation to ensure public safety throughout the Sussexes' stay, noting additional security measures would be implemented whilst minimising community disruption.

Victoria Police acknowledged awareness of two high-profile individuals visiting Melbourne privately, stating resources would be deployed as necessary to ensure community safety.

The Melbourne leg of the tour will see the couple engage with organisations supporting young people and vulnerable women, including a visit to one of Australia's leading children's hospitals.

Meghan will separately attend a homeless services centre to highlight community-led support for women.

Veterans' causes feature prominently in the itinerary, with the pair meeting families and artists connected to the Australian National Veterans Art Museum whilst also supporting Invictus Australia.

In Canberra, Harry will participate in engagements at the Australian War Memorial, including the Last Post Ceremony.

The couple have scheduled meetings with Movember and Batyr, an Australian mental health organisation.

Sydney will see them join Invictus community members on the harbour and connect with past competitors, before concluding the tour at a rugby match between New South Wales Waratahs and Moana Pasifika at Allianz Stadium on Friday.

Alongside their charitable programme, the Sussexes will undertake separate commercial engagements during the visit.

Meghan is scheduled to be interviewed on stage at a women's retreat in Sydney, where tickets are priced at £1,400, with VIP packages including a group photograph with the duchess available for £1,670.

The event at the five-star InterContinental Coogee Beach hotel will host approximately 300 attendees.

Harry will deliver a speech at the InterEdge Summit in Melbourne on Thursday, an event examining leadership, psychosocial safety and human connection in workplace settings.

Delegate passes for the conference at the Centrepiece venue cost £525, whilst platinum tickets are available at £1,250, and virtual access to the Duke's address is priced at £260.