The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, returned to Australia recently, marking their first visit since their official royal tour in 2018. The couple’s four-day visit culminated on April 17, 2026, with a nostalgic sailing trip around Sydney Harbour, reminiscent of their previous engagements during the Invictus Games.
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The Invictus Games, an athletic competition designed for wounded service members and veterans, was founded by Prince Harry as a way to inspire recovery through sport. During this latest visit, the couple spent time with members of Invictus Australia, the nation’s branch of this significant initiative. The notable outing saw the couple sailing alongside veterans, just as they did during their previous trip.
On the morning of their Sydney visit, the Sussexes explored Bondi Beach, where they met with volunteer first responders from the Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club. This esteemed organisation, established in 1907, has played an instrumental role in ensuring the safety of beachgoers, notably during emergency situations such as the December 14 terrorist attack.
During their time at Bondi Beach, Meghan received a pair of whimsical flip-flops, custom-made with the inscription “G’Day Megs” from Invictus Australia veteran Joel Vanderzwan. The gesture showcased the warmth and camaraderie shared between the couple and the veterans present.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s last visit to Australia came in October 2018 as part of their official royal duties. That tour saw them attending the Invictus Games in Sydney, where they also took part in a sailing excursion in the harbour. It was during the 2018 visit that they announced Meghan’s pregnancy with their first child, Archie, adding an extra layer of joy to their engagements back then.
The Invictus Games, inspired by the United States’ Warrior Games, serve as a platform for wounded and recovering service personnel to compete in various sports, including wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball. During the recent trip, Prince Harry announced the launch of the Invictus Australia Sports Festival, slated to take place in Perth in October 2026, furthering the games’ global reach.
Throughout their Australian tour, the couple has participated in a series of public and private events across Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney. Their journey began on April 14 in Melbourne, where they visited the Royal Children’s Hospital, an institution that holds sentimental value for Prince Harry due to his late mother, Princess Diana’s visit in 1985. Meghan, on the same day, engaged with residents at a local women’s shelter, highlighting their commitment to community outreach.
The following day, Prince Harry focused on mental health during his solo visit to the charity Movember, addressing fatherhood and its significance. He also met veterans at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Meanwhile, Meghan surprised fans by appearing as a guest judge on the popular television cooking competition MasterChef Australia.
On Thursday, the couple participated in the Scar Tree Walk, a nature excursion that paid homage to Australia’s Aboriginal community. They also engaged with a youth mental health group and attended the InterEdge Summit, where Prince Harry delivered a keynote speech emphasising the importance of mental well-being.
The Sussexes’ return to Australia has rekindled memories of their previous royal engagements while showcasing their continued dedication to causes close to their hearts. With their participation in various events, both public and private, they are reaffirming their commitment to fostering connections and raising awareness on significant issues, particularly regarding mental health and community support for veterans.