Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, are preparing for a return to Australia next month, marking their first visit since their official royal tour in 2018. The trip, slated for mid-April, will focus on private, business, and philanthropic endeavors, and will not include their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. However, the planned visit has sparked commentary and, according to some royal observers, a distancing from King Charles.
The upcoming engagements have drawn comparisons to a “quasi royal tour,” prompting questions about the couple’s continued relationship with the monarchy. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as working royals in 2020 and have since pursued independent ventures, including media projects and charitable work. Their recent two-day visit to Jordan at the invitation of the World Health Organisation (WHO) also attracted attention, with some critics labeling it a similar attempt to maintain a high profile.
King Charles Reportedly ‘Washes His Hands’ of Sussexes’ Australian Trip
Royal biographer and journalist Ingrid Seward suggested that King Charles has largely disengaged from the activities of Prince Harry, and Meghan. Speaking on TalkTV’s ‘The Mark Dolan Show,’ Seward stated that the King “has probably slightly washed his hands of them,” adding that he “has got plenty of other things to worry about.” This assessment comes as the monarchy navigates other challenges, including fallout from Prince Andrew’s legal issues and public protests. The Royal Observer reported on the exchange between Seward and TalkTV presenter Mark Dolan.
Dolan questioned Seward on the King’s likely reaction to the Sussexes’ Australian trip and their previous visit to Jordan, characterizing both as attempts to replicate their former royal roles. Seward’s response indicated a belief that the couple is primarily focused on self-promotion and maintaining public visibility to generate income. She noted, “They [Harry and Markle] are obviously trying to promote themselves, and they need to keep a high profile in order to make money.”
Australia Visit Follows Previous Engagements
The planned trip to Australia represents a significant return for the couple, who last visited the country as working royals in 2018. The Express details the context of the upcoming visit, noting it will involve a mix of private engagements, business opportunities, and philanthropic work. The couple’s decision to exit their children at home has also been noted by commentators.
The focus on business and philanthropy suggests a continued effort by the Sussexes to establish a distinct brand and pursue independent financial opportunities. Since stepping down as senior royals, they have launched Archewell, a non-profit organization, and signed deals with companies like Spotify and Netflix, though the latter has seen some projects paused or cancelled. MSN also covered the story, highlighting the expert’s claims.
The dynamic between the Sussexes and the royal family remains complex. Whereas King Charles has not publicly commented on the Australian trip, Seward’s assessment suggests a degree of detachment. The situation underscores the challenges of navigating royal relationships after a departure from official duties and the ongoing efforts of Harry and Meghan to forge their own path.
As Prince Harry and Meghan prepare for their Australian visit, the focus will be on the nature of their engagements and the public response. The trip will likely be closely watched for any signals regarding the couple’s ongoing relationship with the monarchy and their evolving role on the global stage. The coming weeks will reveal how the Sussexes continue to define their post-royal identity and navigate the complexities of their public life.
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