Meghan Markle points out how Australians should address her | Royal | News
Meghan Markle has rejected the royal title and revealed how she prefers to be addressed on the opening day of her and Prince Harry’s visit to Australia.
The couple were greeted by hundreds of well-wishers as they began their Australian tour by embracing patients at a children’s hospital. Harry and Meghan posed for selfies, while Meghan received flowers and a welcome card to cheers during their visit to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.
Meghan later reunited with Harry at a veterans’ museum after visiting a women’s shelter; This all happened on the first day of the trip Down Under.
Australia’s National Veterans Art Museum’s first Australian poet laureate, Steve Cotterill, reportedly asked the couple: “How would you like me to address you?”
The couple have apparently brushed aside their royal titles, with Harry replying: “As you wish”, while Meghan replied: “Are you calling me Meg?” he replied. The publication also reported that when staff at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne asked the couple’s aides how to address the Sussexes, they were informed: “Harry and Meghan are fine. They’re quite relaxed.”
Traditionally, male members of the Royal Family are initially addressed as ‘Your Royal Highness’, then ‘Sir’, while female members are addressed as ‘Your Royal Highness’ and then ‘Ma’am’. However, they relinquished their HRH titles following Harry and Meghan’s decision to step down from senior royal staff roles in 2020.
Previously, Harry and Meghan’s office confirmed that the four-day visit “will focus on mental health, community resilience and support for veterans and their families, as well as private meetings and special projects.”
The couple will also attend private business events separate from the public visitation programme. Meghan will be interviewed on stage at a “girls weekend” retreat in Sydney and tickets will cost £1,400.
VIP tickets for the event at the five-star InterContinental Coogee Beach hotel cost £1,670 and include a group table photo with the duchess.
However, it turned out that all the tickets for the event were not sold out. Earlier today, the Her Best Life podcast, which hosted the retreat, shared on its Instagram page that it had “last minute availability.”
Organizers initially claimed the private event, which was limited to 300 guests, was sold out, but a post last week suggested otherwise. Organizers announced on Instagram that the hotel was “releasing a few additional rooms” and urged potential guests to inquire via direct message.
It is understood that participants must obtain security clearance before participating and the use of mobile phones is strictly prohibited.
Meghan’s attendance at the retreat was announced last month by Gemma O’Neill, host of the Her Best Life podcast, which organized the 300-person event. A previous ad for this event read: “A girls’ weekend like no other! An unforgettable weekend for women ready to reconnect, recharge, and have some serious fun.”
“Join us for an intimate, luxurious oceanside weekend designed to bring women together for powerful conversations, relaxation, laughter and an unforgettable experience.” The itinerary reportedly includes yoga sessions, panel discussions, a fireside chat with Meghan and a disco party.
