The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have returned to Australia for their first visit since 2018, reigniting public interest in their activities down under. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrived in the country on April 14, local time, with plans to engage in various charitable events across several cities, including Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney.
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Their itinerary for the first day included a visit to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, where they engaged with healthcare staff and young patients. In addition, Meghan held a separate engagement at a shelter that supports women dealing with family violence and homelessness. The couple also met with families of veterans at the Australian National Veterans’ Art Museum, marking their commitment to various social issues.
Unsurprisingly, their two young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, did not join them on this trip. Reports indicate that the couple has opted to keep their children largely out of the public eye, sharing only selective glimpses of their family life. Prince Archie, now six, previously accompanied his parents during their royal visit to South Africa in 2019, where he famously met Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
While Harry and Meghan’s current trip has stirred speculation about their family’s involvement, it is worth noting that the couple’s previous engagements typically saw them attending events solo or as a pair. Their last visit to Australia occurred in October 2018, shortly before they announced Meghan’s pregnancy with Archie. The couple’s approach to parenting reflects a desire to protect their children’s privacy amid the gaze of public life.
Historically, royal tours have often included young children, breaking traditional norms. Harry and Meghan’s decision to leave their children at home stands in contrast to previous royal examples, such as Prince William and Princess Diana, who famously took their baby son, Prince William, on a tour of Australia in 1983. This act was hailed as a refreshing change at the time, setting a precedent for modernising royal family engagements.
Similarly, in 2014, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge brought their son Prince George along for a visit to Sydney when he was just nine months old, following in his father’s footsteps. The inclusion of young family members during official engagements had added a layer of relatability to the royal image, yet recent royal tours have seen children remain at home more frequently.
This tour is focused on several causes close to Harry and Meghan’s hearts, such as mental health advocacy, veteran support, and women’s issues. As they engage with various organisations over the coming days, the couple aims to shed light on these important societal matters, reaffirming their commitment to philanthropy.
With their appearances generating considerable media interest, the visit resonates not only because of their past commitments, but also due to the ongoing discussions around the evolving nature of the British monarchy. As Prince Harry and Meghan navigate their roles outside of royal duties, they continue to attract attention with their approach to family and advocacy.
Their return to Australia will undoubtedly reignite conversations about the future of royal engagements and the ways in which new norms might be integrated into traditional practices. As they continue their tour, followers of the royal family will be watching closely to see how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex aim to blend their personal commitments with their philanthropic efforts during this visit.