Australians React With Mixed Feelings Ahead of Harry and Meghan's Visit
As Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, prepare to visit Australia, residents of Sydney are expressing a range of opinions about the royal couple's upcoming trip, with some questioning the purpose of the visit altogether.
The BBC took to the streets of Sydney to gauge public sentiment, finding that many Australians are uncertain about why the couple has chosen to visit the country. One sentiment that appeared to capture a broader feeling among locals was the blunt reaction, "I don't know why they're coming," reflecting a sense of indifference or confusion surrounding the trip.
Harry and Meghan stepped back from their roles as senior members of the British Royal Family in 2020, a decision that drew significant global attention and controversy. Since then, the couple has been based primarily in California, where they have pursued independent media and philanthropic ventures.
Australia has historically maintained strong ties to the British monarchy, though republican sentiment has grown in the country in recent decades. The mixed public reaction to the Sussex visit may reflect shifting attitudes toward the royal family more broadly, particularly among younger generations.
The couple's relationship with the public has been complicated since their departure from royal duties, following a series of high-profile interviews and projects in which they spoke candidly about their experiences within the royal institution. Their Netflix documentary series and Harry's memoir, Spare, generated both sympathy and criticism from audiences around the world.
Despite the skepticism expressed by some Sydney residents, royal visits to Australia have traditionally drawn significant crowds and media attention. Whether Harry and Meghan's trip will generate similar enthusiasm remains to be seen, as the couple no longer carries official royal duties or represents the Crown in any formal capacity.
For now, many Australians appear to be taking a wait-and-see approach, with opinions ranging from warm curiosity to outright indifference about the couple's reasons for making the journey Down Under.
