Majority of Public Are Saying The Same Thing About Harry and Meghan’s Australia Trip
Per a royal expert, the growing disconnect is likely because their global brand strategy is fundamentally misreading the room in Australia.
The last time Prince Harry and Meghan Markle set foot in Australia was in 2018, and the atmosphere at the time was nothing short of euphoric — with massive crowds lining up to get a glimpse of the royal couple as well as to celebrate their first pregnancy. Now, however, things are starkly different. As the Sussexes prepare to return to Down Under next month, the landscape has shifted — and the warm reception they once enjoyed has been replaced with petitions and criticism from Aussies who simply aren’t rolling out the red carpet this time. As per royal commentator Kinsey Schofield, the disconnect between the couple’s brand strategy and the current Australian sentiment might have something to do with it.
On her YouTube show titled Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered, the commentator suggested that the Sussexes' brand isn’t exactly a hit Down Under. “I'm not sure the people of Australia are leaping with joy,” she remarked. According to her, the public certainly isn’t “reaching for the bunting yet,” — suggesting a much colder reception than their first tour of the country. At the center of Markle’s return is a headline appearance at the ‘Her Best Life’ luxury retreat held at the InterContinental on Sydney’s Coogee Beach. With ticket prices reaching a staggering $3,200 for a VIP experience — which includes a front row seat and a group photo with the Duchess — Schofield argued this high-priced commercial pivot signals a major shift in the couple’s global status.
Schofield highlighted, “The vibe that they're just wondering who's going to spend all this money to go and see them…and it smacks of desperation…where you have to share a room with a stranger for $3,000.” For the commentator, the financial barrier for a mere ‘photo op’ feels out of touch with people. “I mean, I'm not sure why I would want to spend $3,000 Australian dollars — as I say, about 1,500 English pounds — it's not cheap to basically have a photo op and maybe hear about you know, the power of united,” she stated. To showcase the depth of this shift, Schofield also shared a recent poll from Yahoo to drive home just how much the tide has turned.
The results were brutal — out of more than 700 votes, a massive of 95% of respondents admitted they weren’t the least bit excited about the couple’s return. A meager 5% said they were actually looking forward to the visit. The number reflects a harsh reality, something that the commentator directly connects to Harry and Markle’s public attacks on the monarchy, effectively harming their standing across the Commonwealth.
Speaking to Yahoo! Lifestyle, she added that when they try to return to those nations, “the contrast between criticism and continued engagement does not go unnoticed” — leaving many to question the motive behind the visit. While the Sussexes will likely try their level best to ensure the trip appears to be a success, Schofield warns that the actual experience will be a tough one. Especially, if the poll is anything to go by!
