Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have commenced an engaging visit to Australia, beginning with a significant outreach at the Australian National Veterans’ Art Museum in Melbourne on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. This visit marks the couple’s return to the continent after having last visited in 2018 as part of an official royal engagement.
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On their first evening in Melbourne, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex connected with veteran families at the museum, immersing themselves in an art project that fostered creativity among the children of veterans. In a delightful twist, both Harry, aged 41, and Meghan, aged 44, donned aprons and participated in a pottery class. Harry crafted a whimsical one-winged bird, while Meghan formed a clay ostrich, amusingly sharing with the children, “There’s an ostrich farm actually not far from our home.”
During the activity, Harry entertained young participants by showcasing his creation, describing it as “a very rare one-winged kookaburra.” The couple’s ease with the children highlighted their often playful persona during public appearances. Meghan also prompted laughter when a child asked her about birds, replying, “My husband will know, my husband knows everything about birds.”
The couple’s appearance at the museum was not only a touch of light-heartedness; they also observed an installation by artists Kat Rae and Kelly Manning, composed of polystyrene and shredded paper that spelling the word “curiosity.” As they left the museum, they were met with a media throng eager for comments, highlighting the continued public interest in their engagements.
For their visit to the museum, the couple chose coordinating outfits in olive green. Meghan opted for a sleeveless mock neck sweater by the Australian brand P Johnson, paired with a skirt and a bomber jacket from local labels St. Agni and Aquazzura.
Established in 2013, the Australian National Veterans’ Art Museum is a charity dedicated to promoting the well-being of current and former military personnel and their families through the arts. Founder Tanja Johnston initiated this project in response to the urgent need for innovative community engagement aimed at improving veterans’ well-being—a mission that resonates with the couple’s commitment to supporting military families.
Earlier in the day, Meghan played a pivotal role in serving lunch at a shelter catering to the homeless and victims of family violence in Melbourne, reinforcing the couple’s dedication to community service. In addition to visiting the veterans’ museum, Harry and Meghan also toured the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, a poignant stop reminiscent of Princess Diana’s own visit during her 1983 tour of Australia.
Prince Harry, a former British Army captain, served from 2005 until 2015 and has since maintained a strong affiliation with military families. He is particularly known for founding the Invictus Games, an international adaptive sports competition aimed at supporting wounded servicemen and women, which underscores his ongoing commitment to the military community.
The couple’s history with veteran families is extensive, having participated in a variety of similar events previously, including a reception for military families during their 2024 visit to Nigeria and a recent quiet engagement in San Diego.
Their upcoming days in Australia promise a busy schedule, with plans for further public engagements. Highlighted events include participation in the “girls weekend” retreat for the Her Best Life podcast in Sydney, and at the InterEdge Psychosocial Safety Summit in Melbourne, where Harry is set to be a keynote speaker addressing mental health in the workplace.
Their last Australian visit in October 2018 was particularly memorable, as it was shortly after their wedding, during which they announced Meghan’s pregnancy with their first child, Archie. As they continue their tour, anticipation surrounds the couple’s next steps, with many looking forward to the insights and experiences they will share throughout their visit.