Australian taxpayers to cover policing costs for Harry and Meghan’s private visit
Consensus Summary
Australian taxpayers will cover policing costs for Prince Harry and Meghan’s private visit to Melbourne and Sydney, despite the trip being privately funded. The visit differs from their 2018 official royal tour, which cost taxpayers $410,580 and included public meet-and-greets. This time, their itinerary consists of ticketed events, such as Harry’s appearance at the InterEdge Psychosocial Safety Summit in Melbourne and Meghan’s event at InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, with ticket prices starting at $997 and $2,699 respectively. A Change.org petition with 43,300 signatures opposes taxpayer funding for their visit, though the Sussexes’ team dismisses its relevance, as the trip is privately funded. The decision to fund policing reflects a shift from their 2018 visit, where they received 24-hour police protection as working royals. Harry’s legal battle over UK security was dismissed in 2024, highlighting ongoing tensions over their security status.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Australian taxpayers will fund policing costs for Prince Harry and Meghan’s visit to Melbourne and Sydney, despite the trip being privately funded.
- NSW Police will conduct an operation to ensure public safety during Harry and Meghan’s visit, with additional security measures required throughout their stay in New South Wales.
- NSW Police does not have a 'user pays' arrangement for Harry and Meghan’s visit, meaning costs will be covered by public expenditure.
- Victoria Police is aware of Harry and Meghan’s private visit to Melbourne but declined to comment on specific operational arrangements.
- Harry and Meghan’s 2018 visit to Australia as working royals cost Australian taxpayers $410,580 for security, transport, accommodation, and incidentals.
- Harry and Meghan’s current visit includes ticketed events held by private organizations, unlike their 2018 visit, which included public meet-and-greets.
- Harry is attending the InterEdge Psychosocial Safety Summit in Melbourne from April 15 to 16, with in-person tickets starting at $997.
- Meghan will appear at an event at InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach from April 17 to 19, with tickets starting at $2,699 per person.
- A Change.org petition titled 'No Taxpayer-Funding or Official Support for Harry & Meghan’s Private Visit to Australia!' has 43,300 signatures.
- Harry and Meghan lost publicly funded police protection in the UK in February 2020 after stepping back from royal duties.
- Harry sued the UK Home Office in 2022 over the denial of state security, but his appeal was dismissed in February 2024.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- The article includes a quote from a Sussexes spokesperson: 'It’s a moot point. The trip is being funded privately, so I’m not sure what this petition hopes to achieve.'
- The article mentions Harry and Meghan’s visit to Colombia in 2025, where Colombian taxpayers shelled out about $85,000 for internal transport and security for their events promoting mental health.
- The article notes that Harry and Meghan paid for their own flights, accommodation, and general expenses during their visit to Colombia.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- Both sources are identical in content and do not contain any contradictions.
Source Articles
Taxpayers to bear policing costs during Harry and Meghan’s Australia tour
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s team have maintained the visit, which includes commercial engagements, is being privately funded. But some policing services will come out of the public’s pocket....
Taxpayers to bear policing costs during Harry and Meghan’s Australia tour
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s team has maintained the visit, which includes commercial engagements, is being privately funded. But some policing services will come out of the public’s pocket....