The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have finished their brisk four-day visit to the east coast of Australia. With an itinerary of Indigenous culture, Australian sport, multiple good causes and a trip to the national war memorial, it had all the hallmarks of a traditional royal tour. But Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, no longer working royals, were here in a private capacity.
When they last visited in 2018 - then still active members of the Royal Family - tens of thousands of people greeted them on a nine-day tour across Australia. This time was different. Most Australians the BBC spoke to were either unaware or uninterested in the couple's visit.
There has been some backlash too, after it emerged Australian taxpayers may be saddled with some of the security costs for their public events. Critic Giselle Bastin noted the couple's low visibility and careful control over public engagements, allowing them to avoid negative reactions.
During their time in Australia, Harry and Meghan participated in high-profile events, such as meeting survivors from various causes, with moments like Harry interacting warmly with fans and Meghan showing empathy to individuals in need of support. Despite the generally controlled nature of their trip, the couple actively engaged with the public, including taking selfies and receiving tokens of appreciation.
While their charm did shine through during these interactions, the broader public sentiment appeared mixed. Critics pointed to the seeming insensitivity of their tour amidst a cost-of-living crisis in Australia, questioning their focus on commercial appearances rather than solely charitable work. Onlookers noted a stark contrast between their current private roles and their former royal engagements, with this visit focusing heavily on documenting their connections, largely through social media, rather than traditional public outreach.
Overall, Harry and Meghan's trip revealed their struggle to navigate life beyond royal duties, with unclear distinctions between public appearances and potential commercial endeavors. While their warmth and charitable agendas were lauded by some, the overarching reception was a blend of fondness and criticism, showcasing the complexities of celebrity in a modern context.
When they last visited in 2018 - then still active members of the Royal Family - tens of thousands of people greeted them on a nine-day tour across Australia. This time was different. Most Australians the BBC spoke to were either unaware or uninterested in the couple's visit.
There has been some backlash too, after it emerged Australian taxpayers may be saddled with some of the security costs for their public events. Critic Giselle Bastin noted the couple's low visibility and careful control over public engagements, allowing them to avoid negative reactions.
During their time in Australia, Harry and Meghan participated in high-profile events, such as meeting survivors from various causes, with moments like Harry interacting warmly with fans and Meghan showing empathy to individuals in need of support. Despite the generally controlled nature of their trip, the couple actively engaged with the public, including taking selfies and receiving tokens of appreciation.
While their charm did shine through during these interactions, the broader public sentiment appeared mixed. Critics pointed to the seeming insensitivity of their tour amidst a cost-of-living crisis in Australia, questioning their focus on commercial appearances rather than solely charitable work. Onlookers noted a stark contrast between their current private roles and their former royal engagements, with this visit focusing heavily on documenting their connections, largely through social media, rather than traditional public outreach.
Overall, Harry and Meghan's trip revealed their struggle to navigate life beyond royal duties, with unclear distinctions between public appearances and potential commercial endeavors. While their warmth and charitable agendas were lauded by some, the overarching reception was a blend of fondness and criticism, showcasing the complexities of celebrity in a modern context.
