Prince Harry & Meghan Markle: Empty Seats & Half-Price Tickets In OZ?

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not yet arrived in Australia and recently, we reported that their itinerary in mid-April involves stops in Sydney and Melbourne. At the time, it wasn’t clear how Australians would react, but feedback arrives, and it seems it’s not all happiness and joy in The Land Down Under. Read on for more details.

Little Warmth For The Former Royals

It seems that in comparison to their 2018 visit, there’s not a whole lot of warmth going the way of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. And we’re not making that up. On Thursday on NewsNation, royal commentator Shauna Kay and expert Paula Froelich discussed how the anticipated trip’s going.

During their discussion, they noted that the attitude of the Australian public seemed to have changed a lot. In fact, the words “disinterest” and “disdain” dropped during the conversation.

According to them, the couple’s popularity “plummeted.” While their 2018 visit was a massive success, the new trip down under feels more like a private “pay for play” venture. Shauna Kay mentioned that there’s a “lack of transparency” regarding their visas and whether they’ll get special treatment as the son of the King.

Empty Seats In Melbourne?

Prince Harry, set to appear at a summit on mental health, might not get the welcome he hoped for. Allegedly, tickets don’t sell very well. In fact, another tier of tickets recently released “at half price.”

Notably, they laughed at Prince Harry’s expense because he’s never really had a 9-to-5 job. But they mocked the fact that possibly, if he’s an expert in anything, it only relates to him knowing how to “monetize trauma.”

Not A Lot Of ‘Buzz’

Back in 2018, the tour by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was met with enthusiasm because it brought new beginnings. But their 2026 tour seems more about business and commercial ventures. So, the lack of “buzz” seems very telling.

While Harry’s InterEdge Summit kickstarts in Melbourne on April 15, Australians have an opportunity to see Meghan in Sydney at a retreat that starts on April 17 and runs through April 19. But, it doesn’t seem that folks climb over each other to be there.

The duo described it more as a high-priced “besties” event. Surprisingly, it seems that local Australian influencers remain quiet about it. And notably, an “influencer blackout” suggests that A-Listers avoid being associated with the Sussex brand.

More concerns arrive because apparently Prince Harry and Meghan Markle plan a visit to “Bondi Beach.” If you don’t know, it’s the site of a recent tragic mass shooting. So, critics worry that the duo might use the location for a “cynical exploitative photo op” rather than a genuine, quiet tribute.

Viewers React

In the comments section, few people stood up in defense of the duo from Montecito. Some folks talked about how Pamela Anderson also visits Australia and she’s not having any issues with people digging into their pockets for tickets. One of them said, “Pamela Anderson here at same time, 2 venues, 8000 at each… SOLD OUT”

Meanwhile, another viewer wrote, “Pamela Anderson will be doing a similar event and her tickets are flying out to OZlanders.”

Here are a few more responses from the discussion:

• Why would we buy her manufactured spreads and honey? We produce some of the world’s best fruit (to make real jam) and honey. Why would we buy her candles? We produce some of the world’s best candles that come with complimentary wicks. And the list goes on!!
• A comment Shauna made-that Megsy’s idea of mommy blogging is 20 years old-rang a bell. ALL her ideas, crafts, you name it, are stuck in the 90’s. It’s like she (and H) never grew up. So bizarre. Arrested development on steroids…
• For someone who jets around the world speaking on the importance of caring for one’s mental health, Harry does not seem to do anything to care for his own mental health. Harry is the one who needs a therapist.
• It would be the most disrespectful act if they showed up at Bondi Beach, and stay away from our Veterans. Australia has wonderful wines, JAMS etc – we don’t need your wares Rachel, we prefer to support our own producers.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below, and remember to come back here often for all your royal family news and updates.