Royal Experts Blast Harry and Meghan Over ‘Faux Royal’ Tour of Australia

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing fresh waves of criticism as royal commentators and experts accuse the couple of embarking on a “faux royal tour” during their current visit to Australia.

Despite officially stepping back from their roles as senior working royals in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have maintained a high-profile itinerary in Melbourne, including keynote speeches and university visits. Critics argue that the couple is continuing to exploit their royal titles for global influence while remaining disconnected from the duties and restrictions of the British Monarchy.

Royal experts have been quick to point to the late Queen Elizabeth II’s firm mandate during the “Megxit” negotiations: that there could be no “half-in, half-out” arrangement for the couple. Critics suggest that by conducting what appears to be an official state visit, Harry and Meghan are directly defying the late monarch’s instructions and blurring the lines of royal protocol.

The backlash intensified following Prince Harry’s remarks at the InterEdge Summit, where he claimed he never wanted the “job” of a working royal because of the trauma surrounding his mother’s death. Commentators have labelled the timing of these statements as “exploitative,” suggesting that the couple is using their royal history to bolster their personal brand while simultaneously criticising the institution that provided them with a platform.

Meanwhile, author Hugo Vickers, who penned Queen Elizabeth II: A Personal History, noted that this “hybrid” approach to royal life continues to stir tension within the family. He highlighted that the Sussexes’ ongoing public commentary and high-stakes tours add unnecessary strain to the current reign of King Charles III, much as their exit and high-profile interviews did during the late Queen’s final years.

As the couple continues their Australian tour, the debate over the legitimacy of their public roles remains a flashpoint for royal watchers, with many questioning how much longer the “Sussex brand” can operate independently of the palace’s formal approval.