Harry and Meghan Reportedly Courted by Anti-Royal Groups for Australia Tour: 'It Sends a Message'
Amid the sensitive political situation in Australia against the monarchy, anti-royal groups are eager to have the Sussexes on their side.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's upcoming 'quasi-royal tour' of Australia is already raising eyebrows. While staunch monarchy supporters argue that the couple is attempting to grossly recreate their former life, anti-royal groups are openly welcoming the so-called 'royal rebels.' Amid the sensitive political situation in Australia, with campaigns actively challenging the monarchy's relevance, royal commentator Rob Shuter claims these groups are eager to invite the Sussexes to their events to send a befitting message.
On his Substack, Naughty But Nice, Shuter mentioned a leaked document that allegedly details Harry and Markle's visits to Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra. Along with that, they've also been "invited to events by a number of anti-royalist groups" across the country. Commenting on the same, a source said, "There is real interest from anti-monarchy and republican organizations. That changes the tone of the entire trip." Meanwhile, republican groups in Australia are actively campaigning to remove the British monarch as head of state. The insider cautioned, "For some, especially Indigenous activists, the monarchy is seen as a symbol of colonization. Any engagement there becomes politically charged."
The ensuing situation, as the source puts it, puts Harry and Markle in a tough spot. They argued, "They're [Harry and Markle] no longer working royals. But they're still very much tied to the institution. If they engage with these groups—even informally—it sends a message." However, if the Sussexes choose to ignore the invites, "some of these groups are prepared to protest—they want to provoke a response." Asserting how the royal family actively avoids putting themselves in such situations, they stressed, "It blurs the line between personal freedom and institutional impact."
Unsurprisingly, Shuter's sources aren't the only ones to caution Harry and Markle against a political upheaval in Australia. Former royal butler Grant Harrold told Royal Insider that King Charles would also be worried about the Sussexes' visit. He said, "Monarchy in Australia is a big debate at the moment. If anything, that will worry the King, because they're trying to keep relations good with Australia. They won't want Harry and Meghan going there and causing any more upset or spurring on more protests or discussions about the monarchy off the back of it." He added that this is exactly the kind of situation Charles and Queen Camilla would want to avoid while they are there.
