A growing public debate in Australia has placed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle back under the spotlight, as a petition opposing the use of taxpayer money for their upcoming visit has gained significant traction. With more than 32,000 signatures, the campaign reflects a segment of public opinion that believes the couple’s trip should be treated strictly as a private and commercially funded engagement rather than anything resembling an official royal visit.
Ảnh: Hoàng tử Harry và Meghan trong chuyến thăm Jordan hồi tháng Hai năm ngoái.
The petition, hosted on Change.org and supported by advocacy groups, argues that public funds should not be allocated toward security, logistics, or any other costs associated with the visit. Organizers emphasize that Australia is currently facing economic pressures, including rising living costs, and therefore government spending should prioritize essential services over high-profile private visits. In their view, treating the Sussexes differently would set an inappropriate precedent, especially given their status outside of official royal duties.
Meghan sẽ xuất hiện tại một sự kiện chỉ dành cho phụ nữ ở Sydney, được mô tả là “cuối tuần dành cho các cô gái có một không hai” – nhưng sự kiện này đã gặp phải nhiều vấn đề kể từ khi ra mắt.
According to publicly available information, the visit is expected to be privately funded, though earlier uncertainty about financial responsibility contributed to the rise of the petition. Discussions had emerged around whether federal or state authorities would be involved in covering certain expenses, particularly security. This ambiguity appears to have fueled public concern and motivated many individuals to voice their opposition through the petition.
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A spokesperson for the campaign group described the trip as a private and commercial undertaking, insisting that it should be handled accordingly without taxpayer involvement. Some commentators have echoed this sentiment, suggesting that public resources should not be used to support what is essentially a promotional or business-related visit. One online user commented, “If it’s a private trip, it should be funded like one—no exceptions.” While such remarks represent individual opinions rather than official positions, they reflect the tone of the broader public conversation.
The Sussexes previously visited Australia in 2018 during their time as senior working members of the Royal Family, an occasion marked by official protocols, public engagements, and state-supported logistics. Their upcoming visit differs significantly in context, as they are no longer performing official royal duties. This distinction has been central to the debate, with critics arguing that the couple should not receive the same level of public support as active royals.
Beyond the petition, Meghan’s involvement in a women-focused event in Sydney has also attracted attention. The event, designed as a luxury retreat experience, is scheduled to host hundreds of attendees and has already sold out. It includes premium packages featuring exclusive access and opportunities to meet Meghan. Organizers have promoted the event as a high-end experience aimed at personal development and lifestyle engagement.
However, reports indicate that the venue has faced logistical and construction challenges in the lead-up to the event. Certain amenities, including parts of the spa and pool area, were reportedly still under development, raising questions about readiness. In addition, environmental concerns affecting nearby beach areas have been noted, adding another layer of scrutiny to the event’s overall presentation.
Despite these issues, representatives for the Sussexes have reiterated that the visit is privately funded and that the petition’s premise does not reflect the actual financial arrangements. They have dismissed claims suggesting taxpayer involvement as misleading, emphasizing that the trip should not be associated with public expenditure. A spokesperson also suggested that the majority of Australians have not supported the petition, implying that the opposition represents only a portion of public opinion.
Public reaction remains divided. Some observers argue that the controversy is disproportionate and driven by broader debates about celebrity influence and media narratives. Others maintain that the petition highlights legitimate concerns about fairness in the use of public funds. As one commentator put it, “It’s less about the individuals and more about the principle—public money should be used responsibly.”
As the visit approaches, attention is likely to remain focused not only on Harry and Meghan’s activities but also on how their presence is perceived in a post-royal context. The combination of public scrutiny, commercial engagements, and ongoing debate about funding underscores the complexities surrounding their global profile.
Ultimately, the petition and surrounding discussions illustrate how high-profile figures continue to generate strong reactions long after stepping away from official roles. Whether viewed as a private visit or something closer to a symbolic royal appearance, the Sussexes’ trip to Australia has become a focal point for conversations about public spending, celebrity influence, and the evolving relationship between the public and modern royalty.
