Royal Family Has ‘No Control’ Over Whether Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Go on Ill-Advised Australia Trip

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to embark on their highly publicized trip to Australia whether the royal family likes it or not.

Before the Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive Down Under next week, royal expert Robert Jobson — who penned multiple books on the royal family — told Page Six in an article published Friday, April 10, “I’m sure [Buckingham Palace] would prefer that Harry and Meghan weren’t going, but there’s not a lot they can do about it. They have no control.”

While it’s been widely reported that the Spare author, 41, will take part in private business and philanthropic engagements, Jobson added, “There will undoubtedly be a sense of confusion about what Harry and Meghan are there for … this trip may stick in the gullet of the palace.”

Meanwhile, the As Ever founder, 44, will take part in a “Girl’s Weekend” retreat hosted with the Her Best Life podcast that will be held from April 17 to April 19 at the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach.

The retreat promises “meaningful speakers” and “a gala dinner” featuring an “in-person conversation with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.”

Last month, journalist Rob Shuter reported in his Naughty But Nice Substack that the duchess has been guaranteed a $1 million appearance fee for the upcoming “Girl’s Weekend” retreat. Tickets come in two packages, with the VIP Experience costing $3,199 per person.

According to 7News Australia journalist Ariana Pezeshki, she was allegedly told she would be refunded for her ticket because the team behind the event learned she worked in media.

Still, a palace source told Page Six that the parents of two — who will not bring children Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, along with them — “yearn for the catnip of attention.”

According to the publication, Meghan and Harry will tour Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney where they allegedly plan to meet with sick children and mental health charities as well as the Australian branch of Harry’s Invictus Games.

Royal author Robert Hardman also said, per Page Six, that their upcoming Australia trip — which is their first time back since 2018, before they stepped down as senior working royals — “does get confusing.”

Hardman added, “If they are traveling as celebrities — which is what they are — that’s fine, but if there is any royal or official apparatus then that’s going to invite criticism.”