Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing a wave of backlash ahead of their planned return to Australia, with thousands of critics pushing back against any form of public support for their visit.
What was expected to be a high-profile trip tied to business and philanthropic engagements has quickly turned into a heated debate over money, status, and public perception.
Now, Harry and Meghan’s team is responding forcefully as the controversy grows louder.
Prince Harry Faces Growing Backlash As Petition Gains Momentum
Harry and Meghan’s upcoming visit to Australia has sparked significant public reaction, with an online petition quickly gaining traction.
Organized by advocacy group Beyond Australia, the campaign has drawn more than 35,000 signatures from people demanding that no taxpayer money be used to support the couple’s trip.
The petition, titled “No Taxpayer-Funding or Official Support for Harry and Meghan’s Private Visit to Australia,” reflects a growing sentiment that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex should not receive any special treatment.
It argues that, as private individuals, their visit should not involve public funds or government coordination.
According to the petition, Aussie taxpayers should not be expected to fund “security, logistics or government coordination” for the couple.
Harry’s Team Pushes Back Against Claims About Funding
As the backlash intensifies, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s representatives have responded directly to the claims surrounding taxpayer funding.
A spokesperson dismissed the petition’s entire premise, making it clear that the trip is not being financed with public funds.
“It’s a moot point. The trip is being funded privately, so I’m not sure what this petition hopes to achieve,” the spokesperson told the Daily Mail.
They also pushed back against what they described as misleading narratives, pointing out how small the petition numbers are compared to Australia’s population.
The spokesperson added, “Of course, if you wanted to dive into the ridiculousness of this petition as an agenda for spreading misinformation, then one could equally hypothesize that there are approximately 26.5million Australians (99.98 per cent of the population) who haven’t signed it, who must therefore agree with the taxpayer picking up the tab for their visit. Of course, that is another equally stupid assertion to make.”
Prince Harry’s Visit Raises Questions About Status And Expectations
At the center of the controversy is a broader question about Harry and Meghan’s current status.
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, the couple has operated as private individuals based in the United States.
Critics argue that this shift means they should no longer receive privileges once associated with their former roles.
The petition, which began a few days ago, explicitly pointed this out, stating per The Blast that, “Harry and Meghan no longer represent the Crown and now operate private commercial ventures from the United States.”
It added that their activities in Australia, which are expected to include media appearances, business engagements, and philanthropic events, should be treated “strictly” as a private visit.
This debate has also fueled speculation about security arrangements, as both federal and state governments in Australia have previously declined to confirm who would cover protection costs.
The uncertainty has only added to public scrutiny ahead of the trip.
Harry And Meghan Warned About Reception In Australia
Beyond the financial debate, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have also been warned that their reception in Australia may not mirror the warm welcome they once received.
Royal journalist Tom Sykes suggested the couple will need to have “thick skins,” noting they are “no longer assured of a warm welcome.”
The shift is particularly striking given their last visit in 2018, when they were still senior working royals.
During that trip, they were given a police escort and stayed at the Governor-General’s residence overlooking Sydney Harbour.
Now, the tone appears markedly different. The petition’s messaging has been blunt, even featuring an image of the couple alongside an Australian flag with the caption, “We don’t want you here.”
Prince Harry’s Australia Trip Faces Fresh Scrutiny Over Event Issues
Complicating matters further, Harry and Meghan’s upcoming trip has been linked to an all-women event in Sydney that has already encountered setbacks.
The actress is scheduled to appear at the inaugural “Her Best Life Retreat,” a three-day luxury gathering between April 17 and 19 that has already sold out, with around 300 guests expected.
Despite the excitement, issues surrounding the venue have raised eyebrows. According to reports, the hotel’s pool and spa are not yet finished, with key amenities such as the infinity pool, bar, and leisure deck still under construction.
One recent guest described the pool refurbishment as “a work in progress” and a “blot on the view.” Adding to the concerns, the beach below the property has reportedly been dealing with foul-smelling “poop balls” washing ashore since 2024, made up of chemicals, soap scum, cooking oil, hair, and human waste.
Despite these setbacks, a spokesperson confirmed Meghan will still attend the event, signaling that the couple plans to move forward with their visit even as scrutiny intensifies around every aspect of the trip.