Spokesperson dismisses claims as couple’s upcoming trip faces public scrutiny
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s planned visit to Australia is drawing attention, with a growing online petition calling for no taxpayer money to be used during their stay.
The petition, hosted on Change.org, argues that public funds should not be spent on high-profile visitors, especially at a time when many Australians are dealing with rising living costs. It points to increasing expenses such as groceries, fuel, mortgages and energy, urging authorities to prioritise fairness in how resources are used.
The Duke of Sussex is expected to travel to Melbourne between April 15 and 19, where he will speak at the InterEdge Psychological Safety Summit for a reported mid-five-figure fee. Meanwhile, Meghan Markle is set to host a luxury “Her Best Life” retreat in Sydney.
As the petition gains traction, concerns have surfaced among some members of the public that taxpayer-funded security could still be involved, despite the trip being described as private.
Responding to the claims, a spokesperson for the couple pushed back firmly, stating that the visit is entirely privately funded. The representative dismissed the petition as unnecessary, suggesting it is based on misinformation rather than fact.
They also criticised the logic behind the campaign, arguing that the overwhelming majority of Australians have not supported the petition, which weakens its overall premise.
Adding to the response, Australian government departments, including the offices of the Prime Minister and Home Affairs, have clarified that they have no involvement in organising or funding the couple’s visit.
The situation continues to fuel debate online, as opinions remain divided over the role of public resources and high-profile international visits.
