Palace Unhappy With Sussexes' 'Rent-a-Royal' Trip

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent privately funded tour of Australia has drawn sharp criticism from royal insiders, who describe it as a "faux royal tour." Insiders allege the couple is leveraging their titles for financial gain and to maintain relevance, actions that reportedly disregard specific instructions from the late Queen Elizabeth II regarding their post-royal roles.

Commentators expressed that the tour, which included visits to Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra, undermines the institution that provided their platform. The purpose of the visit was questioned by many, with some noting the Australians were asking "Who exactly is this tour for?"

The Sussexes' office pushed back against claims of a publicity tour, asserting that the program supports long-standing areas of their work, with a clear focus on amplifying organizations delivering measurable impact. Their agenda includes private engagements to support charitable and commercial objectives.

Further fueling controversy are the ticket prices for events Harry and Meghan are headlining. Harry's keynote address at a psychosocial safety summit costs $706, while Meghan's appearance at a luxury women's retreat is priced at $2,699 per person, with a VIP option at $3,199.

Royal experts suggest that while the palace prefers the Sussexes not undertake such tours, they have limited control. There is a sense of confusion and potential annoyance within Buckingham Palace regarding the couple's motivations and activities during the trip.

Despite the criticism, the Sussexes' visit included engagements at the Royal Children's Hospital, a women's shelter, and a veterans' art community. Harry also visited the Australian War Memorial, and the couple is set to participate in an Invictus Australia sailing event. These philanthropic activities are seen by some as a "fig leaf" for their commercial ventures.

Some royal watchers believe that if handled correctly, the tour could potentially open dialogue for reconciliation with the royal family, particularly given Harry's involvement with the Invictus Games, a military charity. However, other experts remain skeptical, with Prince William reportedly unwilling to trust the Sussexes, and concerns that any mention of Harry distracts from other royal priorities.

Ultimately, the tour provides a glimpse into the Sussexes' future, which appears to involve paid appearances and leveraging their platforms. Meghan is reportedly pursuing her lifestyle brand, "As Ever," with trademarked products in Australia, and there were reports of her potentially appearing on "MasterChef Australia."