The price tag on Meghan Markle‘s Australian women’s retreat is already rubbing people the wrong way.
The Duchess of Sussex has set tongues wagging with the cost of attending her upcoming luxury retreat, which is said to offer unforgettable experiences. Offering a one-on-one meeting with fans who would attend the event would come at a high cost of over a thousand dollars.
The retreat drama comes after Meghan Markle’s recently dissolved partnership with the popular movie streaming platform Netflix. There have also been rising rumors that she is looking to expand her lifestyle brand outside the U.S., particularly to Australia.
Critics Can’t Get Past The Price Tag Of Meghan Markle’s Australian Retreat
Not everyone agrees with Ian Pelham Turner, who said, “I feel this is a wonderful opportunity for the guests to meet a Royal with a genuine heart and for Meghan to relax and be with people who wish to listen to her thoughts on life.”
The first thing that tipped many people off was the cost. Page Six shared that attendees paying for the VIP experience could spend roughly $2,288 or lock down Early Bird tickets for $1,930. Doug Eldridge, founder of Achilles PR, described the retreat as “essentially a very expensive girls’ weekend built around access to the former actress.”
He also argued that the mom of two isn’t living up to her status as an entrepreneur and founder, explaining that she has shown a lack of continuity in her ventures. He cited the uneven reports surrounding her brand, As Ever, and her unrenewed projects with Netflix.
“For someone who often talks about building, her record seems more in line with demolition,” the branding expert said. Another royal expert stressed that when royals begin attaching their titles to paid appearances and a long list of ventures, it can be seen as desperation rather than influence.
The Retreat Is Reportedly Packed With Activities
Meghan has been recruited by hosts Jackie ‘O’ Henderson and Gemma O’Neill to headline a women’s retreat in Australia for the podcast “Her Best Life.” With the former actress as the lead in the event, there are many activities scheduled to take place, but the focus would be on “powerful conversations, relaxation, laughter, and unforgettable experiences.”
O’Neill shared that part of the event would feature an exclusive interview with the Duchess of Sussex, and the biggest moment of the weekend is set to be a gala dinner, which would be an “in-person conversation” with the event’s headliner, Meghan. The VIP guests might get their money’s worth as they will also be allowed to take a group photograph with the “Suits” star, will be gifted a goodie bag, and will have access to an ocean-view hotel room.
O’Neill says that the mom of two became involved in the event because she “really loves what our community is about,” but is also doing it as a favor for a mutual friend. Besides her desire to contribute ti community, royal experts say that the luxury event offers fans a rare chance to see a more personal side of Meghan.
Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Have Been Told To Brace Up For A Shift On Australian Soil
Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, are reportedly preparing for a tour around Sydney and Melbourne this coming April. This would mark their first time back in the country since their 2018 wedding, and they have been warned that the tide of acceptance may have changed.
The Blast reports that their trip will center around private, professional, and charitable engagements. However, the public’s perception towards the couple who renounced their royal obligations and left the United Kingdom in 2020 has changed and would most likely affect the way they are accepted.
“I think there will be plenty of monarchists and republicans who won’t welcome Harry and Meghan’s visit. Any ‘royal’ visit, even by members of the family who no longer represent the king, will inevitably create debate about the monarchy,” an insider disclosed. This Australian trip comes after the couple visited the Za’atari Refugee Camp last month, where they met displaced families and youths in Jordan.
The Duchess Of Sussex Brand May Be Faced With Future Hurdles
While As Ever has seen significant site visits in the past months, PR experts warn that the brand may experience some issues in the near future, even with the increasing website traffic.
Between October last year and this January, As Ever has recorded a remarkable 36% increase in website visits. Even though this is a stepping stone for the brand, experts explain that it does not directly translate to long-term success. The Blast notes that more importance has been placed on sales conversions, clear product planning, and repeat customers.
PR and branding specialist Renae Smith further explained that a fast sell-out of products could mean the said product is in high demand, but on the flip side, it could also mean that there is extremely limited stock of the product. Smith cautioned that for the lifestyle brand to rise to the occasion, Meghan and Harry must align in terms of their respective pursuits and values.
Meghan Markle And Her Husband Have A Heart For Philanthropy
The power couple has dug their hands into several humanitarian works and even bagged that “Humanitarians of the Year” award at the Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day Gala last year.
They have given their voice to promote safer online platforms for the younger generation and have been advocates for mental wellness through their Archewell Foundation. The Blast reported that Harry actively participated in supporting the Halo Trust’s landmine-clearing work in Angola last July, which Princess Diana had done nearly three decades earlier.
In 2021, they jointly wrote an open letter to leaders at the G-20 summit, asking them to expand vaccine access in poor countries. The couple also co-hosted another event at the UN General Assembly to canvas for vaccine equity. Amid all these, the lovbirds have taken other international trips to promote their cause, including their 2024 visits to Nigeria and Colombia.
Will many fans grace Meghan Markle’s upcoming retreat?
