Harry and Meghan skewered by Australians on arrival | Royal | News
Harry and Meghan have touched down in Australia for a four-day tour that includes Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney; but many Australians seem either unimpressed or completely unaware that they have arrived.
The couple arrived from Los Angeles on Qantas flight QF94 and landed at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport at 6.38am on Tuesday. They were greeted by a special convoy and taken through the VIP exit.
The itinerary covers issues close to the Sussexes – veterans, child welfare, mental health and sports – but the program does not include a public meet-and-greet, with organizers citing safety concerns and the cost of maintaining public order.
This decision may be less important than expected. Vox pop interviews with Sydney residents suggested the visit caused little excitement in the region.
“They’re very keen on self-promotion. They’re probably my least favorite royal family member, let’s just put it that way,” one man told the BBC.
“I really think they need to step up and do more for the public and end this ongoing fight with their families, which is getting pretty boring to be honest.”
The same person added that the visit received almost no coverage in the Australian media: “I had no idea they were coming to Australia. I didn’t see anything on the news.”
A woman interviewed recently was even harsher: “Can I honestly say I never really think about them?” he said.
A third asked simply: “I don’t know why they came.”
taxpayer line
The visit did not go without controversy. More than 46,000 people have signed a petition demanding public money not be spent on the couple’s safety.
A spokesperson for the Sussexes initially dismissed the concern as a “moot point”, insisting the trip was privately funded – but officials in New South Wales and Victoria later confirmed taxpayers would contribute at least part of the security operation.
The difference from previous visits to Australia in 2018 is stark. This trip, an official royal tour shortly after their wedding, featured warm crowds and enthusiastic public receptions. The reception this time is decidedly colder.
