During a pivotal moment in their royal journey, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle found themselves overshadowed by King Charles III and Queen Camilla during their highly successful royal tour of Australia.
The visit, marked by overwhelming enthusiasm, highlighted the immense popularity of Charles and Camilla Down Under. This outpouring of support contrasted sharply with the reception the Duke and Duchess of Sussex received during their own 2018 tour. Once seen as the dynamic and modern faces of the British monarchy, Harry and Meghan’s appeal seemed to wane in comparison to the core royal figures, as reflected by the reactions of the Australian public.
On a recent Tuesday, a massive crowd of 10,000 fans gathered in Sydney, eagerly awaiting the arrival of King Charles and Queen Camilla. The atmosphere resembled that of a rock concert, with enthusiastic royal supporters clamoring for a chance to see the monarch and his wife. This fervor contrasted with the lukewarm reception Harry and Meghan received in 2018, raising questions about whether Meghan’s previous Hollywood credentials were enough to secure a royal fanbase. The fans’ dedication suggested they were drawn not to individuals, but to the centuries-old institution of the monarchy itself—a testament to its enduring appeal. Meghan, however, appears to have taken a different path, focusing on what some see as an attempt to tarnish the royal family’s image after feeling excluded from her envisioned role at its center.
In Tom Bower’s book Revenge, it is suggested that the Sussexes’ 2018 Australian tour was fraught with tension. Samantha Cohen, a former royal aide, reportedly claimed that midway through the tour, a new aide had to be brought in to manage the situation. Valentine Low, another royal correspondent, reported an incident where Meghan allegedly expressed frustration, saying, "I can’t believe I’m not being paid for this." Such statements fueled speculation about Meghan’s perspective on her royal duties and her dissatisfaction with the expectations placed on her.
One of the most talked-about incidents from the tour involved an alleged altercation between Meghan and Lady Cosgrove, the wife of Australia’s governor-general. Meghan’s reported request to stay at Admiralty House—Australia’s equivalent of the White House—was denied, prompting what was described as a dramatic reaction. Rumors suggest that Meghan exclaimed, “Don’t you know who I am?” as if invoking her royal status to gain favor. This incident, along with others, paints a picture of tension and conflict during the Sussexes’ time in Australia.
Additional reports indicate that Meghan’s demeanor towards staff at Admiralty House was less than cordial. According to sources, she allegedly reacted poorly when kitchen staff were asked to make banana bread, which apparently sparked further tensions. Meghan also reportedly expressed a desire to participate in the iconic Sydney Harbor Bridge climb, despite being advised against it due to pregnancy-related health concerns. When she was ultimately replaced by the Australian Prime Minister, it was seen as another source of strain between the couple.
Rumors of discord continued to swirl, with speculation that Harry and Meghan argued frequently throughout the trip and even slept in separate rooms. Some sources allege that Harry felt compelled to apologize to Australian officials for his wife’s behavior, further indicating the strain in their relationship. In another instance, Meghan is said to have refused to wear Akubra hats, a traditional Australian gift, because they were made from rabbit pelts, despite her continued use of leather shoes. Such actions led to questions about the consistency of her values and public statements.
Reports also surfaced that Meghan’s interactions with Admiralty House staff were less than amicable, with claims that she was courteous only to those she deemed attractive. The tension reportedly escalated to the point where Lady Cosgrove had to step in, at which point Meghan allegedly told her to “f*** off,” an outburst seen as highly inappropriate for a guest in such a prestigious setting.
Against the backdrop of King Charles and Queen Camilla’s warmly received visit, it seems clear that Harry and Meghan’s attempts to redefine their roles within the royal family face significant challenges. The couple’s turbulent experiences during their Australian tour, marked by alleged conflicts and misunderstandings, only add to the ongoing drama surrounding their transition from senior royals to independent figures. With Charles and Camilla capturing the hearts of royal fans Down Under, Harry and Meghan appear to be grappling with their place in a centuries-old institution.
