Meghan Markle's much-anticipated Sydney retreat has been plagued by a series of embarrassing setbacks, though a spokesman for the Duchess of Sussex has confirmed she will still appear at the event.
The inaugural "Her Best Life Retreat" is set to welcome up to 300 women for a three-day luxury gathering from April 17 to 19, coinciding with the Sussexes' Australian visit.
Those purchasing VIP tickets at £1,700 per person have been promised front-row seating and the opportunity to pose for a group photograph with the former actress.
The five-star InterContinental Hotel in eastern Sydney has promoted its ocean-facing infinity pool as a key attraction, promising attendees a "relaxed time by the pool overlooking Coogee Beach."
Meghan Markle faces fresh blow as Sydney retreat venue remains unfinished weeks before launch
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However, the new swimming facility remains unfinished, with the spa, bar and leisure deck also scheduled for completion next month.
One recent guest described the ongoing refurbishment as "a work in progress" and "a blot on the view."
The hotel's website indicates that its new leisure deck, featuring the infinity pool, poolside bar, outdoor terrace, Eliva Spa and Club InterContinental, will be finished in April.
However, it does not explicitly guarantee that all facilities will be operational when paying guests arrive for their weekend with the duchess.
The Duchess of Sussex has confirmed she remains committed to appearing at the three-day 'Her Best Life Retreat' taking place next month | HER BEST LIFEThose hoping to enjoy the beach below the hotel face additional concerns, as Coogee has been battling a pollution crisis for the past two years.
Since 2024, foul-smelling brown balls have been washing up along the coastline, with tens of thousands of these malodorous lumps appearing over 16 months.
Initially suspected to be the result of an oil spill or ship waste, academics subsequently confirmed the balls were composed of cooking oil, soap scum, hair and human excrement.
Scientists believe the effluent balls likely broke away from a giant fatberg lodged in Sydney's sewer system.
Harry and Meghan are set to travel to Australia next month | GETTYFamilies photographed the unpleasant deposits at Coogee, a beach whose name derives from the Aboriginal word "koojah," which translates as "smelly place."
Workers in hazmat suits were deployed to clear the toxic material in 2024.
The retreat's organiser, Gemma O'Neill, has faced her own financial turmoil after her talent management business, Gemmie Agency, entered voluntary liquidation in November.
Administrators were appointed after the firm accumulated debts totalling $543,548 (£286,000) to the Australian Taxation Office, with a further $3,300 (£1,737) owed to a small accountancy practice.
Gemma O’Neill (left) and Jackie O (right) at the Marie Claire Women Of The Year Awards 2024 | GETTYLast month, Ms O'Neill reportedly informed administrators she could not make any repayment contributions, citing an absence of personal savings, limited income and a failed attempt to refinance her Sydney apartment.
The insolvency report references Besties Australia, the company behind the Meghan event, noting an $18,143 (£9,553) loan made to it by the collapsed agency.
Administrators have reportedly requested a detailed explanation of this outstanding balance from Ms O'Neill.