Meghan Markle ‘hated’ 2018 Australia tour, book claims
Meghan Markle has been the subject of renewed scrutiny over her time as a working royal after claims resurfaced that she “hated every second” of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s 2018 tour of Australia and the South Pacific. The allegation, attributed to a palace worker and cited by royal authors, contrasts with the public reception the couple received at the time, when large crowds turned out for engagements across the region.
During the 2018 trip, which spanned Australia, New Zealand, Tonga and Fiji, The Mirror reported that former Vanity Fair editor Ms Tina Brown quoted a palace staff member claiming the Duchess questioned the point of walkabouts and crowd appearances, with the employee alleging she asked “What’s the purpose?” despite enthusiastic scenes outside venues including the Sydney Opera House.
The same report said another source, referenced in 2021 reporting, claimed Meghan did not understand the “representational role” of the monarchy and was alleged to have described the crowd outside the Opera House as “silly”. It also cited author Mr Valentine Low, who has written that Meghan enjoyed the attention but did not grasp why royals spend time shaking hands with strangers, and included an allegation from unnamed staff that she was heard saying: “I can’t believe I’m not getting paid for this.”
The claims have resurfaced as the Duke and Duchess returned to Australia this week on their first visit since 2018, but this time in a private capacity rather than on official royal business. Meghan appeared at a ticketed “girls’ weekend” event in Sydney, while Prince Harry spoke at a leadership summit in the city.
The latest assertions add to a body of behind-the-scenes accounts about the Sussexes’ time as working royals, and are likely to fuel further debate over the couple’s relationship with the institution and the expectations of royal tours.
