The explosive backlash is growing in Australia as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle prepare for their return Down Under in mid-April 2026 — their first visit since the hugely popular 2018 royal tour.

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, holding hands during their visit to Australia.

Thousands of Aussies have signed a fiery Change.org petition demanding ZERO taxpayer dollars be spent on the couple’s trip, insisting that if it’s truly a private affair, they should foot the bill themselves. The petition, titled something along the lines of “No Taxpayer-Funding or Official Support for Harry & Meghan’s Private Visit to Australia,” has surged past 10,000 signatures in recent days, with many signers slamming it as an unfair burden amid cost-of-living pressures.

The petition argues: Since Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and are no longer working royals, Australian taxpayers shouldn’t cover security, logistics, government coordination, or any official perks. “They chose to leave. No half in, half out,” one version emphasizes, branding the visit a “private celebrity” jaunt rather than anything royal. Some even declare bluntly: “We don’t want you here” if it means public money involved.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex chatting with lifeguards on a beach.

A Sussex spokesperson confirmed the trip: “Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex will visit Australia in mid-April to take part in a number of private, business, and philanthropic engagements. Further details will be shared in due course.”

The itinerary appears split: Meghan is set to headline a “Girl’s Weekend” retreat hosted by the Her Best Life podcast from April 17–19 at the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, featuring a Q&A and gala dinner (tickets reportedly high-priced). Harry is lined up as keynote speaker at the InterEdge Psychosocial Safety Summit in Melbourne (April 15–16), focusing on workplace mental health, with possible additional stops supporting armed forces and veterans.

Archie (6) and Lilibet (4) are not expected to join, likely staying home for school.

This marks a sharp contrast to their 2018 triumph as working royals, when massive crowds greeted the newlyweds (just months after their wedding), and Meghan’s ease connecting with people was widely praised. Harry later told Oprah in 2021 that the tour’s success sparked family jealousy, claiming: “It really changed after the Australia tour… It was the first time that the family got to see how incredible she is at the job… To see how effortless it was for Meghan to come into the family so quickly in Australia and across New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga.”

Meanwhile, recent royal visits like King Charles and Queen Camilla’s successful trip to Sydney and Canberra about 18 months ago were well-received. Australian PM Anthony Albanese has expressed interest in welcoming Prince William and Kate, though no such tour is on the cards this year.

The petition’s momentum highlights lingering resentment toward the Sussexes’ post-royal commercial ventures (including Meghan’s As Ever brand, which has secured Australian trademarks). Critics argue public funds shouldn’t subsidize what they see as self-promotion.

Whether the Australian government will provide any support remains unclear, but the online outcry makes one thing loud and clear: Many Aussies want Harry and Meghan to pay their own way if they’re coming as private citizens. Stay tuned for more details as mid-April approaches.