Harry and Meghan’s 2026 Australia tour criticized as profit-driven amid financial struggles
Consensus Summary
Harry and Meghan’s 2026 Australia tour has sparked criticism as a cash-grab amid their financial struggles, despite their 2018 visit being widely popular. Both outlets highlight their plummeting public favorability in Britain, with Meghan now the second-most disliked royal at 66% unfavorability and Harry at 60%. Their business ventures, including Archewell Philanthropies (revenue down 50% in 2024) and commercial deals like Netflix’s $US100 million contract, have faced mixed success. The tour includes high-profile events—Meghan’s $2,699 ticketed appearance in Sydney and Harry’s paid speaking slot at a Melbourne summit—while their 'As Ever' brand expands in Australia. Both articles emphasize their reliance on lucrative appearances and merchandise, contrasting with their earlier royal-era popularity and current financial hustle.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Harry and Meghan visited Australia in 2018 for a seven-day tour covering Sydney, Melbourne, Dubbo, and Kʼgari (formerly Fraser Island)
- Meghan’s unfavorability in Britain reached 66% in January 2026, per YouGov, making her the second-most disliked royal after Prince Harry (60% unfavorability)
- Harry and Meghan purchased a $US14.65 million ($21 million AUD) 16-bedroom Montecito house in 2024, putting down a $US5 million deposit and taking a $US10 million mortgage
- Meghan trademarked her 'As Ever' lifestyle brand in Australia in June 2025 under the category 'fancy'
- Meghan will headline an event at the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach on April 13, 2026, with early bird tickets priced at $2,699 AUD and elevated experiences at $3,199 AUD
- Harry will speak at the InterEdge Summit in Sydney on April 11, 2026, examining leadership and workplace psychosocial safety, with proceeds supporting Lifeline
- Archewell Philanthropies reported $US2.6 million in revenue in 2024, down from $US5.2 million the prior year, with $US1.2 million in grants and $US913,000 in salaries
- Harry received a $US20 million advance from Penguin Random House for his memoir *Spare* and inherited £6 million ($11.4 million AUD) from Princess Diana and £8 million from the Queen Mother’s estate (tax-free)
- Harry and Meghan struck a $US100 million multi-year deal with Netflix and a $US20 million podcast deal with Spotify, which later collapsed after Meghan delivered only 12 episodes
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Meghan’s 'signature scent' candle costs $US64, and her 'go-to hostess' gift box of jams, honey, and tea costs $US132
- Spotify’s Bill Simmons reportedly wished he had titled a podcast series about the couple *The F---ing Grifters*
- The article mentions a missing word in the headline ('and happy to help relieve us of all that spare cash they believe we’re carrying')
- No additional unique details beyond SMH; identical content
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- Both sources are identical, so no contradictions exist between SMH and THEAGE
Source Articles
Australia was good to Harry and Meghan. Now they want to use us as an ATM
This is no royal visit but a continuation of tone-deaf money-making by a couple estranged from reality.
Australia was good to Harry and Meghan. Now they want to use us as an ATM
This is no royal visit but a continuation of tone-deaf money-making by a couple estranged from reality.