Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Flew Commercial to Australia — and Passengers Had a Lot to Say
While most passengers welcomed the Sussexes' arrival, others were less than thrilled, expressing mixed views about their true intentions.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle finally touched down in Australia on April 14 for their much-anticipated business and philanthropic tour. The Duke and Duchess flew business class on a commercial Qantas flight from Los Angeles to Melbourne, staying true to their commitment to environmentalism and catching some passengers off guard. While many on board welcomed their arrival, others were less enthusiastic, urging the couple to return home as public scrutiny surrounding the monarchy mounts.
Harry and Markle were on Qantas flight QF94, which landed at Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport today. Upon arrival, they met a private convoy and were escorted through the VIP exit. As reported by The Daily Mail, the Sussexes were wise to fly commercial, as Australia continues to grapple with fuel shortages and a rising cost of living. Fellow passengers on the flight expressed their surprise upon seeing them, with one saying, "It wasn't until we got off the plane that we realised it was them." Meanwhile, another gushed to reporters outside, "I said, 'I hope you have a lovely time in Melbourne, and I'm sure you'll enjoy Sydney.' And we spoke about their [Harry and Markle's] children and that they were here for a couple of days."
However, not everyone was happy with their company, with a fellow traveller scoffing, "I don't like her [Markle] at all. Don't come here. You don't belong here in Australia. We don't want them [Harry and Markle] here." The comments come during a time when monarchy remains a topic of debate in Australia, as protesters push for the removal of King Charles as their Head of State. There is also a long-running pressure to formally sever ties with the British Crown, with the debate intensifying after the 1999 Australian republic referendum, when Australians narrowly voted to keep the monarchy for now.
In a similar vein, shortly after Harry and Markle's touchdown, locals in Sydney also expressed frustration with their 'least favourite' royals. Speaking to the BBC, a resident, Francesca, said, "I don't know why they're [Harry and Markle] coming. I'm sorry that they left the royal family, but they went about it the wrong way." Another local, Alex Hadley, sneered, "I had no idea they were coming to Australia," branding them 'not as relevant' after they departed from the royal family in the country.
As for their jam-packed four-day trip, Markle and Harry began their tour by spending time and clicking selfies with children and their families at the Royal Children's Hospital. They will also meet with prominent organizations that provide support to young people and vulnerable women. The Duchess of Sussex is set to carry out a separate engagement highlighting community-led support for women at a local Homeless Services for Women Centre. They will also be spending time with families and artists linked to the Australian National Veterans' Art Museum, as well as back initiatives like Invictus Australia, underscoring their commitment to the veteran community.
