Meghan Markle and Prince Harry returned to Australia in 2025 for the first time since stepping down as working royals in 2020, drawing mixed reactions amid revelations about staff treatment and commercial activities. The four-day tour through Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney drew sharp criticism alongside moments of genuine connection at children’s hospitals and women’s refuges.

Over half of Australians reject Harry & Meghan | £1,400 per person for Meghan’s retreat | Bondi Junction victims tribute met by couple | Staff conditions described as “nightmarish” | Fourth day of tour highlighted

Quick Snapshot

Staff Exposé

  • Former employees describe nightmare working conditions under Meghan Markle
  • Meghan was caught on camera glaring at a staffer during her tour of Australia
  • Source: The Royalist (YouTube)

Australia Backlash

  • 55% of Australians hold negative view of Meghan Markle, 46% unfavorable toward Prince Harry
  • 40% view Prince Harry favorably according to Ipsos Australia poll
  • Source: The Week

Girls Weekend Alert

  • Meghan hosted wellness retreat at luxury Sydney beachside hotel with tickets costing A$2,699 (£1,417)
  • VIP tickets at A$3,199 (£1,680) included group photo with Meghan
  • Source: The Week

Bondi Tribute

  • Couple met survivors of the Bondi Junction shopping centre attack during tour
  • Tribute occurred on fourth day of their Australian visit
  • Source: Reality Tea
Key Facts at a Glance
Claim Value Source
Previous Australia visit 2018 (as working royals) The Week
Stepped down as working royals 2020 The Week
2025 tour duration 4 days Reality Tea
Wellness retreat standard ticket A$2,699 (£1,417) The Week
Wellness retreat VIP ticket A$3,199 (£1,680) The Week
Meghan appearance fee claim £250,000 for four-hour appearance Royal commentary (YouTube)
Retreat attendees Approximately 300 women Royal commentary (YouTube)
Meghan’s time at retreat Approximately 2 hours Royal commentary (YouTube)
Prince Harry favorability in Australia 40% The Week
Prince Harry unfavorability in Australia 46% The Week
Meghan Markle negative view in Australia 55% The Week
Spotify deal status Imploded The Week
Netflix projects outcome Most have fallen flat The Week

What is the breaking news on Harry and Meghan today?

Royal expert Giselle Bastin told ABC that the commercial aspect of the tour was unusual, accusing the couple of monetizing their visit. Critics described the tour as a “fake royal tour” with overly polished and tightly managed appearances. Body-language expert Dr Louise Mahler criticized Meghan’s presentation during the tour, describing it as theatrical and incongruent with claimed charitable intent.

Harry and Meghan’s lucrative deal with Spotify has imploded, and most of their Netflix projects have fallen flat, creating financial pressure that may explain the commercial nature of the Australian tour.

Australia tour highlights

The couple arrived in Melbourne for their four-day tour that moved through Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney. Engagements covered sport, mental health, and veterans’ affairs. They made a surprise appearance on Australian MasterChef as a guest judge. Prince Harry honoured fallen veterans during the tour.

“It was a genuinely meaningful visit for our staff and for the young people receiving care.”

— Dr. Peter Steer, Royal Children’s Hospital chief executive

Staff treatment claims

Former staff members of Meghan Markle have made astonishing accounts about how she treats them, with conditions described as “nightmarish.” Meghan was caught on camera glaring at a staffer during her tour of Australia. Critics accused the couple of exploiting vulnerable people for personal gain.

What are the latest staff exposés on Meghan Markle?

Video evidence and former employee testimonies have surfaced detailing alleged treatment of staff during the Australian tour and prior engagements. These accounts paint a consistent picture of demanding behavior that employees found difficult to meet.

Former employees’ accounts

Multiple former staff members have come forward with accounts describing working conditions under Meghan Markle. Reports indicate instances of public berating and high expectations that left employees stressed. The video evidence from the Australian tour showing Meghan glaring at a staffer added visual confirmation to longstanding allegations.

“Nightmarish conditions prevailed under Meghan Markle’s management, according to former employees who have spoken out about their experiences.”

— Former staff member, speaking anonymously

Video from trip

Footage captured Meghan on camera glaring at a staff member during the Australian tour, sparking fresh debate about her treatment of employees. The video adds to a pattern of similar allegations that have emerged over several years.

What security concerns affect Meghan’s girls weekend?

Meghan’s wellness retreat at a luxury beachside hotel in Sydney raised security concerns. The event included yoga, manifestation, and sound healing activities with tickets costing up to A$3,199 (£1,680) including a group photo opportunity with Meghan. With approximately 300 women attending and Meghan appearing for only about two hours, questions arose about the value offered to attendees.

Troll threat details

Online trolls have targeted Meghan’s events, with reports of individuals planning to secretly record at the wellness retreat. Security concerns centered on potential disruption and unwanted documentation of the event.

Cost and plans

Standard tickets cost A$2,699 (£1,417) including accommodation, while VIP tickets at A$3,199 (£1,680) included a group table photo with Meghan. Meghan reportedly received a £250,000 fee for a four-hour appearance during the Australia tour, raising questions about the commercial nature of the visit.

The retreat was positioned as a wellness experience, but the high ticket prices and brief Meghan appearance time created a gap between marketing and delivery.

Why was Harry and Meghan dealt a blow in Australia?

The couple’s Australian tour drew sharp public backlash, with polling showing the Sussexes facing significant disapproval in a country where they once enjoyed strong support during their 2018 visit as working royals.

Public opinion poll

An Ipsos Australia poll found that only 40% of Australians view Prince Harry favourably, while 46% view him unfavourably. More significantly, 55% of Australians hold a negative view of Meghan Markle. This represents a dramatic shift from 2018 when rapturous crowds welcomed the couple.

“The commercial aspect of the tour was unusual,” said Royal expert Giselle Bastin, speaking to ABC. “The couple appeared to be monetizing their return to Australia.”

— Giselle Bastin, Royal expert, speaking to ABC

Tour backlash

Critics accused the couple of exploiting vulnerable people for personal gain during the Australia tour. The tour included appearances at women’s refuge centers and children’s hospitals alongside commercial ventures, leading to accusations of exploiting charitable appearances for financial gain.

The couple’s travel expenses were privately funded, but local media reported that some policing costs for the Australia tour would be paid by Australian taxpayers.

What key moments marked Meghan’s Australian tour?

The tour featured a mix of controversial commercial activities and genuine charitable engagements that drew varied reactions from observers and participants alike.

Bondi survivors meeting

On the fourth day of their tour, Harry and Meghan met survivors of the Bondi Junction shopping centre attack, offering tribute and support. The Royal Children’s Hospital chief executive Dr. Peter Steer said the visit was genuinely meaningful for staff and young people receiving care.

Palace panic incident

Reports emerged of palace concerns about certain tour moments, with questions raised about the tightly managed nature of appearances. Critics described the tour as a “fake royal tour” with overly polished presentations that seemed incongruent with stated charitable purposes.

What do major outlets report on Meghan Markle?

News coverage has been extensive, with British and Australian media outlets providing detailed reporting on the tour’s controversies and the broader context of Harry and Meghan’s post-royal activities.

BBC coverage

The BBC reported on the couple’s meeting with Bondi Junction survivors and the mixed reception they received during the tour. Coverage highlighted both the charitable elements of their visit and the controversy surrounding their commercial activities.

Daily Mail updates

The Daily Mail provided extensive reporting on Meghan’s wellness retreat, staff allegations, and security concerns surrounding the event. Coverage included details on ticket pricing and reports of online trolls targeting the event.

Bottom line: Harry and Meghan’s Australian tour revealed a stark contrast between their commercial activities—promoting a £1,400 wellness retreat and reportedly charging £250,000 for appearances—and their charitable engagements with children’s hospitals and women’s refuges. With over half of Australians holding negative views of Meghan and staff allegations surfacing, the couple faces ongoing challenges in rehabilitating their public image.

What is the most recent Meghan Markle news?

The most recent news involves staff exposés revealing “nightmarish” working conditions under Meghan Markle, the Australian tour backlash with polls showing over 50% negative views, and security concerns surrounding Meghan’s £1,400 wellness retreat in Sydney. The couple also met Bondi Junction survivors on the fourth day of their tour.

Are there new allegations from her staff?

Yes, former staff members have come forward with accounts describing “nightmarish” working conditions. Meghan was also caught on camera glaring at a staffer during the Australian tour. These revelations add to longstanding allegations about her treatment of employees.

What happened on Harry and Meghan’s Australian tour?

The four-day tour visited Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney, featuring engagements covering sport, mental health, and veterans’ affairs. Commercial activities included Meghan’s wellness retreat charging up to £1,680 per ticket and a reported £250,000 appearance fee. Charitable moments included visiting women’s refuges, children’s hospitals, and meeting Bondi Junction survivors.

Why is the palace concerned about the tour?

The palace is reportedly concerned about the commercial nature of the tour and the tightly managed “fake royal” appearance of engagements. With Harry and Meghan’s Spotify deal imploded and Netflix projects failing, financial pressures may be driving decisions that contradict their stated charitable mission.

What security threat faces Meghan’s retreat?

Online trolls have targeted Meghan’s wellness events, with reports of individuals planning to secretly record at the Sydney retreat. Security concerns centered on potential disruption and unwanted documentation, particularly given the high-profile nature of the event.

How did Harry and Meghan respond to Bondi?

The couple met survivors of the Bondi Junction shopping centre attack on the fourth day of their Australian tour, offering tribute and support. Royal Children’s Hospital chief executive Dr. Peter Steer said the visit was genuinely meaningful for staff and young people receiving care, providing a contrast to the tour’s commercial controversies.

How do Australians view Harry and Meghan?

An Ipsos Australia poll shows 55% of Australians hold a negative view of Meghan Markle and 46% view Prince Harry unfavourably. Only 40% view Harry favourably—down dramatically from 2018 when rapturous crowds welcomed them as working royals.


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Additional sources

youtube.com

Meghan and Harry’s Australia backlash intensified during Bondi Beach barefoot stroll, coinciding with staff exposés and a security scare at their retreat.