Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Australian Visit: Charity, Controversy, and “Brand Sussex”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have arrived in Australia for a privately funded visit that has sparked a divide between charitable outreach and public scrutiny. While the couple has focused on visiting key institutions, the trip has reignited debates over the intersection of their former royal roles and their current private business ventures.
A Low-Key Arrival with High-Profile Stops
The visit is described as a low-key, privately funded engagement rather than an official royal tour. One of the primary highlights of their itinerary included a visit to the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, where the couple combined their schedule to focus on charitable causes.
However, the nature of the trip has not escaped the attention of the local press. Melbourne’s Herald Sun newspaper has characterized the visit as a “faux royal tour,” suggesting the primary objective is to “shore up Brand Sussex” .
The Business of “As Ever” and International Expansion
Parallel to their charitable visits, there has been significant speculation regarding the international expansion of Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand, As Ever. The brand, which sells products including flower sprinkles, rosé wine, and jam, currently operates solely in the United States .
Recent reports from ITV suggested that the Duchess was targeting Australia as the first international market for As Ever, potentially bypassing the UK. However, a spokesman for Meghan Markle has dismissed these reports as “speculation,” stating that no decisions have been made regarding when or where international expansion will occur .
This business transition comes after the Duchess officially parted ways with Netflix, which had previously invested in the lifestyle company. A Netflix spokesman noted that while the partnership helped bring the vision of As Ever to life, Meghan will now grow the brand independently .
A History of Friction
The scrutiny surrounding the couple’s public appearances is not new. Past reports have highlighted tensions between the Sussexes and their former staff. Some former employees reportedly referred to themselves as the “Sussex Survivors Club” due to the difficulties they faced while working for the couple .
Further allegations from author Valentine Low suggest a pattern of volatility, citing a 2018 incident in Fiji where Meghan abruptly left a meeting with UN Women because she reportedly did not want to be associated with the organization’s branding .
Key Takeaways
- Visit Nature: The Australian trip is privately funded and low-key, featuring a visit to the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne.
- Public Perception: Critics, including the Herald Sun, view the visit as a strategic move to bolster “Brand Sussex.”
- Business Status: The lifestyle brand As Ever is currently US-only; reports of an Australian launch have been denied by the Duchess’s camp.
- Corporate Shift: Meghan Markle is now managing As Ever independently following the end of her partnership with Netflix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an official Royal Tour?
No. The visit is described as a low-key, privately funded trip rather than an official tour sanctioned by the monarchy.
What products does the As Ever brand sell?
As Ever is a lifestyle brand that sells jam, rosé wine, and flower sprinkles.
Has As Ever launched in Australia?
No. A spokesman for Meghan Markle has explicitly stated that reports of an Australian launch are speculation and no such decisions have been made.
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