The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have finished their brisk four-day visit to the east coast of Australia.
With an itinerary of Indigenous culture, Australian sport, multiple good causes, and a trip to the national war memorial, it had all the hallmarks of a traditional royal tour. But Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, no longer working royals, were here in a private capacity.
When they last visited in 2018, then still active members of the Royal Family, tens of thousands of people greeted them on a nine-day tour across Australia. This time was different. Most Australians the BBC spoke to were either unaware or uninterested in the couple's visit.
There has been some backlash too, after it emerged Australian taxpayers may be saddled with some of the security costs for their public events. Academic Giselle Bastin noted that the couple had reduced their public exposure to avoid negative responses, yet Harry and Meghan still found moments for personal connections, interacting with fans and engaging positively.
Meghan was active in her engagements, promoting mental health awareness, and Harry spoke about his own experiences in a summit on mental health, a noteworthy topic considering their current fame and previous struggles in the military. Their efforts to remain engaged with community issues were evident, as they frequently emphasized the themes of connection and mental wellbeing in their communications.
Despite the controversy surrounding their private ventures, many fans and supporters acknowledged the impact the couple has had on community organizations, suggesting that their ongoing efforts still resonate with some segments of the Australian public.
In conclusion, while the Sussexes' tour lacked the grandeur of previous royal visits, it showcased a different era of engagement, where personal connections and community service take precedence, albeit under a shadow of skepticism and commercial scrutiny.
