Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are under severe scrutiny following their recent visit to Australia.
While the couple viewed the four-day trip, featuring charity engagements and cultural stops, as a success, critics accused them of blending public service with personal gain, resurfacing “grifter” allegations.
Media voices have questioned their motives, while financial experts have speculated on Prince Harry and Meghan’s potential earnings from appearances and partnerships.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have faced sharp criticism following their recent trip to Australia, with some commentators accusing them of profiting heavily from the visit.
The couple spent several days in Australia, where they visited locations such as a children’s hospital, a veterans’ art center, and a women’s support service.
While these appearances were framed as charitable and community-focused, they also sparked backlash from sections of the media. Among the most vocal critics was Danica De Giorgio, who dismissed the tour as overly performative and self-serving.
De Giorgio described the visit as a “circus,” claiming it combined selective public appearances with opportunities for brand exposure and financial gain.
“It is all said and done for the grifters of Oz. So long, farewell. Meg and her spare handbag, Harry, have finally left Australia after a whirlwind circus,” she said, per Express.
De Giorgio further noted that the Sussexes’ visit included “a taxpayer-funded walk around Sydney, a woe-is-me microphone tour, a blink-and-you’ll-miss-Meg two-hour girls weekend appearance, a cash-for-wear clothing scheme, oh, and the grifters are set to pocket $10 million (£5.3 million) from their four-day visit.”
Critics Question Sussexes’ Privacy Claims After Aussie Trip
De Giorgio further questioned the couple’s earlier stance on wanting privacy after stepping back from royal duties, suggesting their continued public visibility contradicts that narrative.
She also pointed out what she saw as a noticeable drop in public enthusiasm compared to their 2018 visit, when large crowds reportedly gathered to see them.
This time, she claimed, expected turnouts did not materialize to the same extent, describing the contrast as striking.
“It’s a far cry from the tens of thousands who lined up and camped out in 2018, the last time they came…How dramatic and pathetic can this be?” she added.
More About Prince Harry And Meghan’s Rumored $10 Million Payday
Financial speculation around the trip was fueled by comments from Ted Jenkin, who told Page Six that the Sussexes could have generated substantial income through speaking engagements, partnerships, and media exposure.
“Meghan and Harry could make money from audience aggregation, premium access, brand leverage,” Jenkin said. “All totaled, this tour could fetch $10 million or more for Meghan and Harry. Anytime these two get in the public eye, it usually follows with a flowing cash register.”
He also estimated that their speaking engagements and appearances alone might bring in over $2 million, while sponsorships and branding opportunities could net them $3.5 million.
Media-related value and content exposure were also projected to contribute around $4.5 millions.
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Reportedly ‘Pleased’ With Australia Trip, See It As Turning Point For Future
Despite the criticism, sources close to the couple say they view the trip very differently.
According to insiders, Harry and Meghan are “very pleased” with how the four-day visit unfolded, seeing it as a success that has boosted their confidence and signaled that “the tide is finally turning in their favor.”
An insider explained that the couple “knew there would be some sniping from critics, but in their eyes, the overall reception they received from the general public – and the causes they supported – was incredible.”
The experience has also reportedly reinforced Harry’s belief that they are building a “groundbreaking new blueprint that will stand them in good stead moving forward – and he’s hoping it will impress the royals.”
Speaking to Heat World, a source suggested the trip could even help pave the way for future UK visits, with Harry said to be open to discussions with his father in the coming months about the next phase of their relationship.
Critics Say Prince Harry And Meghan Markle’s Priorities Are ‘Diverging More Than Ever’
Still, not all observers are convinced. Some commentators in Australia argue that the tour highlighted growing differences in the couple’s priorities. Angela Mollard, speaking to HELLO!, said their interests appear to be “diverging more than ever.”
She pointed out that Harry continues to focus on causes such as mental health, parenting, social media awareness, and military work, while Meghan is actively building her lifestyle brand, As Ever, incorporating commercial elements into public appearances. According to Mollard, the trip’s structure, starting with charitable engagements, helped generate goodwill before transitioning into more commercial opportunities.
Emily Nash echoed similar concerns, noting that the late Queen Elizabeth II had made it clear that royal roles could not operate on a “half in, half out” basis. Yet, she suggested, the Sussexes appear to be pursuing a hybrid model, retaining the global platform of royalty while also embracing private commercial ventures.
