Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are no strangers to making headlines. But the pair seem to be facing more scrutiny than usual over their upcoming trip to Australia. Adding to that, a recently leaked document has prompted further questions from both fans and critics alike.
What are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex avoiding?
To recap, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will visit Australia later this month. It is a carefully planned visit that has been scheduled (and promoted) for months. But, just weeks before the pair are due to jet off, a document – prepared by their communications chief, Liam Maguire, and obtained by the Daily Mail – has been leaked. It features an outline of their itinerary, as well as details about who is paying for the trip.
And it’s exactly that question – who is funding the trip – that has got critics talking the most. Since stepping back from life as senior working royals in 2020, Harry and Meghan have faced constant questions about their finances.
But in the leaked document, there’s little room for ambiguity on the topic. Liam’s notes make it clear that the Sussexes’ Australia trip is being “privately funded.” This puts to rest any speculation that taxpayers are covering the costs.
Elsewhere, the document offers insight into the reason for the visit. “The program is rooted in long-standing areas of work for the Duke and Duchess, with a clear focus on amplifying organizations delivering measurable impact,” it says. “The visit prioritizes listening, learning and supporting communities rather than promotion.”
Noticeably absent from the document and the detailed itinerary, however, is Meghan’s scheduled appearance at the Her Best Life retreat in Sydney. The Duchess has faced considerable backlash over the event, for which tickets cost thousands of dollars.
TELL US – ARE YOU EXCITED TO SEE MEGHAN AND HARRY ON TOUR IN AUSTRALIA? AND, WHY DO YOU THINK HER EVENT IS MISSING FROM THE ITINERARY?
