Leaked documents expose Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s travel plans—questions raised over funding!
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's visit Down Under is just around the corner, and a leaked document laying out their plans has answered the question on all Aussies' lips.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s upcoming Australian visit will be “privately-funded”, according to leaked “operational planning notes” seen by the Daily Mail.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be commencing their tour Down Under next week, stopping in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne for “private, business and philanthropic engagements”.
A document written by the couple’s publicist Liam Maguire was handed to select media earlier this week, the publication reports, detailing the couple’s itinerary and the anticipated questions they’re preparing to answer from journalists.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex meet and greet the public at the Sydney Opera House on October 16, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. Picture: Paul Edwards – Pool/Getty Images
One question Maguire is seemingly expecting – which has been asked by various critics online – is whether the Sussexes’ visit is a “publicity tour”.
In response, Maguire allegedly penned: “The programme is rooted in long-standing areas of work for the Duke and Duchess, with a clear focus on amplifying organisations delivering measurable impact.
“The visit prioritises listening, learning and supporting communities rather than promotion.”
He further stated that the couple were “invited to Australia by a number of groups”, adding that the trip was being “privately funded” and the Australian taxpayer was not footing the bill, according to Daily Mail.
Maguire also allegedly confirmed in the Q&A section that Harry and Meghan’s two children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, would not be accompanying them on the tour.
Elsewhere in the notes, it was reportedly revealed that the couple will be visiting a children’s hospital and attending an event on Sydney Harbour hosted by Invictus Australia, which has announced its hopes of hosting Harry’s Invictus Games in 2031.
Furthermore, Meghan is said to be visiting a women’s homelessness shelter during the tour, while Harry is set to visit an AFL club in Melbourne, a rugby union match in Sydney and an unnamed gathering in Canberra.
Additionally, the publication claims that Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, will not partake in a “walkabout” as often seen on royal tours, with Maguire citing the cost of security needed to ensure order as the reason.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex on Sydney Harbour looking out at Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge during day two of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 at Sydney Olympic Park on October 21, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation
Last month, it was revealed that Meghan had been confirmed as the headline guest at a $3,000-a-ticket Sydney women’s retreat organised by Besties, an events company founded by Jackie ‘O’ Henderson and her friend Gemma O’Neill in 2023.
The former Suits actress will appear as a guest speaker at the three-day Her Best Life Retreat at Coogee’s InterContinental Hotel.
The event will include “a gala dinner featuring an in-person conversation with Meghan”, and an opportunity for “powerful conversations, relaxation, laughter and unforgettable experiences”.
As for Harry, the Duke of Sussex will appear as a keynote speaker at the InterEdge Summit in Melbourne, which aims to bring together “leaders, policymakers, practitioners and advocates” to “explore practical strategies for creating psychologically safe, mentally healthy and high-performing workplaces”.
