Years after stepping back from royal duties, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are once again under scrutiny, this time over a tour that critics say echoes the very role they left behind.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex kicked off their Australia jaunt on April 14, with engagements scheduled through April 17. The trip blends philanthropic appearances with commercial ventures, but it has already sparked controversy.
One of the controversies centers on claims that the couple continues to mimic traditional royal duties despite their exit, an outcome sources say the late Queen Elizabeth II had feared.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Tour Reportedly Reflects What Queen Elizabeth II Tried to Prevent
Royal expert Rebecca English revisited the Sandringham Summit in January 2020, where the late queen made her stance clear that there would be no “half-in, half-out” arrangement for her grandson.
Although Harry ultimately chose to fully leave the institution back then, English now argues that the couple’s recent journey to the Southern Hemisphere undermines that boundary.
The royal editor pointed out that while they are no longer working royals, they continue to act as such, using the name, structure, and style resembling the institution.
English also referenced a video of Markle smiling after being introduced as “royalty” and “the Duchess of Sussex,” while appearing on a cooking show, further highlighting how the couple capitalizes on their status in ways that blur the line between public duty and private profit.
“What makes Harry and Meghan’s approach so egregious to many, however, is the way in which they have organized their trip as ‘cosplay royals,’ kicking off with a string of highly choreographed and very traditional royal tour-style public engagements,” English revealed to The Daily Mail.
Despite irritation within royal circles, English explained that King Charles III is unlikely to escalate things by stripping the couple of their titles. However, a source close to the late monarch claimed the situation reflects exactly what she had hoped to avoid.
“While I am not going to speculate on what Her Late Majesty would have thought about all this, I can tell you with utmost certainty that this is exactly what she tried to ensure wouldn’t happen,” the insider said.
Meghan Markle’s Cameo Appearance On Cooking Show Sparked Backlash
As part of one of Markle’s stops, she made a surprise appearance as a guest judge on the upcoming season of “MasterChef Australia.” She joined Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin, and Jean-Christophe Novelli to mentor a group of home cooks.
However, the former actress’s presence on TV triggered a wave of criticism online. Per The Blast, many questioned her motives, pointing out what they saw as a contradiction between her frequent calls for privacy and her decision to join a high-profile reality series.
Other social media users branded the move “bizarre” and “desperate,” suggesting it was an attempt to remain in the public eye.
How Australians Reacted to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Presence
Beyond social media, The Blast reported that reactions from locals about the visit ranged from indifference to mild criticism in interviews conducted by the BBC.
One interviewee, Francesca, said she hadn’t known they were in the country and felt their royal exit had been poorly handled. Another, Deanne Cobo, remarked that she doesn’t “think about them at all.”
Another person accused the couple of self-promotion and called them his least favorite royals. He also lamented that their feud with the rest of the family has become “boring.”
Inside Meghan Markle’s Alleged Strict Rules For Harry During Tour
While reactions poured in about the couple, reports surfaced about restrictions Markle enforced on Harry for the duration of the tour.
As The Blast reported, the mom of two is said to have forbidden her husband to have unintentional contact with past female associates and exes, including Natalie Imbruglia, whom he once dated.
She also reportedly imposed a curfew on Harry over her fears that he might cause unnecessary attention after several drinks. However, he is not restricted from hanging out with friends “as long as it is limited to a civilized dinner and a glass or two of wine.”
The Sussexes’ Visit Echoed a Historic Moment with King Charles and Princess Diana
Among the notable stops on their itinerary was a visit to the Royal Children’s Hospital. The couple arrived early Tuesday morning, walking hand-in-hand through the halls as they greeted staff and young patients.
According to The Blast, that appearance carried a special significance, as Harry retraced steps once taken by his parents.
Princess Diana and now-King Charles visited the same hospital in October 1985 during their own 13-day tour, bonding with patients and leaving behind cherished memories.
