Harry and Meghan’s High-Stakes Australia Tour Amid Brand Volatility
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are venturing back to Australia for a four-day tour starting Tuesday, April 14. While the trip is framed as a series of charitable engagements, it comes at a precarious moment for the couple’s professional ventures and their relationship with the British monarchy.
A ‘Faux-Royal’ Visit to Australia
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are scheduled to visit Canberra, Melbourne, and Sydney. Their itinerary focuses on humanitarian efforts, including meetings with mental health charities, visits with sick children, and engagements with the Australian branch of the Invictus Games.
However, the trip is not without tension. Royal writer Robert Jobson noted to Page Six that the visit may “stick in the gullet of the palace,” as the couple continues to use royal branding in a country that recognizes King Charles as its monarch.
The ‘As Ever’ Expansion and Lifestyle Ambitions
Beyond the charitable visits, Meghan Markle is using the tour to pivot toward her business interests. She is expected to hold meetings in Sydney regarding the launch of her lifestyle brand, As Ever, which specializes in jams, and teas. To prepare for the Australian market, Markle has already trademarked 12 products in the country.
the Duchess is hosting a luxury “girls weekend” retreat at the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach from April 17 to April 19. Part of the “Her Best Life” retreat, tickets for the event start at 2,699 AUS dollars (approximately 1,900 USD), with premium options offering a group photo with Markle and podcast hosts Jackie ‘O’ Henderson and Gemma O’Neill.
Streaming Setbacks and the Netflix Fallout
The Australia tour follows a turbulent period for the couple’s media empire. After a strong late 2025—which included a cover for Harper’s Bazaar and a Balenciaga Fashion Week appearance—the tide turned in early 2026.
- Netflix Partnership: In March 2026, reports surfaced that Netflix ended its partnership with the As Ever brand. Earlier reports indicated that Meghan’s lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, would not be renewed for a third season due to poor performance.
- Contract Downgrade: The couple’s original $100 million deal with Netflix was downgraded to a first-glance deal in July 2025.
- Ongoing Projects: Despite the setbacks, Archewell Productions is still moving forward with the film adaptation of The Wedding Date for Netflix, as well as a scripted series about polo and an adaptation of the novel Meet Me at the Lake.
Key Takeaways: The Sussex Strategy
| Focus Area | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Philanthropy | Active engagements with Invictus Games and mental health charities in Australia. |
| Business | Expanding “As Ever” into Australia with 12 new trademarks. |
| Media | Transitioning from major Netflix partnerships to smaller, first-look production deals. |
Family Life in the Spotlight
Amidst the professional volatility, the couple continues to share curated glimpses of their family. In December 2025, Meghan shared a holiday photo on Instagram featuring Prince Harry and their children, Archie (6) and Lilibet (4). The children also appeared in a year-finish video from the Archewell Foundation, showing them volunteering and preparing food with their parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Australia tour begin?
The tour kicks off on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
What is ‘As Ever’?
As Ever is Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand focusing on products such as teas and jams.
Why is the tour controversial?
Palace sources suggest the tour may cause confusion regarding the couple’s roles and their use of royal branding in a Commonwealth realm.
As Harry and Meghan navigate the complexities of their “brand crisis,” the Australian tour represents a critical attempt to diversify their income and maintain global relevance outside of the traditional royal structure.