A Special Visit to Australia
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have arrived in Australia for their first tour Down Under in eight years. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived on Tuesday, April 14, and will be taking part in various philanthropic engagements until Friday, April 17. While it is not a royal tour, this visit follows in the footsteps of Harry and Meghan’s other foreign visits since they stepped down as senior royals in 2018.
New Idea understands that the couple will not take part in any “walkabouts”, as is tradition for royal tours, due to security measures and costs. However, they have still made plenty of public outings, visiting the Melbourne Royal Children’s Hospital, the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum, and a women’s homeless shelter. They are currently in Melbourne but will soon be jetting over to Sydney for more engagements, before Meghan’s VIP appearance at a retreat over the weekend.
Memorable Moments
On April 17, 2026, Harry and Meghan were sweetly gifted thongs reading “G’Day Harry” and “G’Day Megs” while meeting fans at the Sydney Opera House. They were mobbed by huge crowds of eager fans as they visited the Sydney landmark for the first time in seven years, closing out their joint engagements. New Idea has exclusive footage from the day out.
On the same day, Harry and Meghan appeared happier than ever as they greeted members of the public at the Cruising Yacht Club. It marked their final day of royal engagements together during their four-day visit Down Under.
Engaging with the Community
On April 16, 2026, Meghan and Harry smiled and took more selfies with fans while taking part in the Scar Tree Walk on the third day of their royal tour. Meghan sported a “Mama” T-shirt from Alliance of Moms, a non-profit organisation supporting teenage parents in the foster system. The charity was founded by Meghan’s close friend, Kelly McKee Zajfen, and the Duchess often wears their clothing to raise awareness.
During the Scar Tree Walk, Harry was seen talking sweetly to three-year-old Heidi and her father, Rohan Davies. The walk is a journey connecting the traditional and contemporary Aboriginal cultures of the Kulin Nation.
Supporting Important Causes
On April 15, 2026, Harry posed for a smiling selfie with Aussie radio host Michael “Wippa” Wipfli, while attending the Nexus Summit in Melbourne. Michael’s wife, Lisa, gushed about the meeting, “It was such an honour to meet Prince Harry and Meghan. They were so kind, warm and authentic.” Harry and Meghan attended as part of their work advancing digital protection for children. They previously backed Australia’s decision to ban social media for under-16s.
Harry was photographed by the Pool of Reflection during a visit to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. He later gave a speech at the Invictus Reception, in which he praised the impact of Invictus in Australia. “Since the Invictus Games in Sydney in 2018, Australia hasn’t just carried the torch, you’ve raised the standard,” he said. “What began as a moment in time with the Invictus Games has grown into continued, sustained support for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans here in Australia.”
Participating in Local Activities
On April 15, 2026, Harry was keen to show off his skills as he joined in with the Western Bulldogs AFL’s training session on the second day of the tour. He made a surprise appearance at the Mission Whitten Oval as part of an event for Movember, a men’s mental health charity.
On April 14, 2026, Meghan appeared in excellent spirits as she got stuck into making models with army veterans and their families at the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum. She supported local talent as she sported an outfit by Australian fashion label St Agni for the visit.
Welcoming Fans and Patients
Harry and Meghan put on a very loved-up display as they arrived holding hands at the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum. The couple appeared at ease as they smiled and waved at the crowds. Meghan’s first solo visit of the trip was to the McAuley shelter in Footscray. There, she met with homeless women and victims of family violence before serving them lunch. She notably paid tribute to her late mother-in-law, wearing Princess Diana’s favourite Cartier watch, which she was gifted by Prince Harry.
Harry and Meghan stopped to greet and take selfies with patients at the Royal Children’s Hospital during their visit. They were greeted by huge crowds of excited fans upon their arrival at the hospital. They couldn’t stop smiling as they kindly took selfies with patients and family members at the hospital. It is not their first visit to the Royal Children’s Hospital, as they previously stopped off on their 2018 royal tour Down Under.
A Special Beginning
Their visit to the hospital also held an extra special meaning, as Harry’s parents, King Charles and Princess Diana, visited in October 1985. They visited patients at the pediatric care hub on their 13-day tour of Australia, while Queen Elizabeth had also previously visited.
