Harry And Meghan Face ‘Cash Grab’ Claims In Australia

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing backlash as critics label their trip to Australia a “money-making scheme.” The Harry And Meghan Face ‘Cash Grab’ Claims In Australia first appeared on The Blast

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing fresh backlash after their latest trip to Australia was branded a thinly veiled money-making venture. The couple arrived on Tuesday to a noticeably muted welcome, with critics questioning both the purpose and timing of the visit.

While the Duke and Duchess are expected to take part in a mix of charitable appearances and business-facing engagements, public sentiment has turned sharply critical. More than 45,000 people have already signed a protest petition, with many Australians openly asking why the pair are visiting at all.

Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Accused Of Using Australia As An ‘ATM’

Harry and Markle are facing criticism for their latest tour of Australia, with some accusing the couple of treating the country like an “ATM.”

The fallout marks a stark contrast to their 2018 tour, when they were still working royals and drew massive crowds across the country. Their arrival in Sydney was met with overwhelming support, and the trip made global headlines after they announced they were expecting their first child.

The mood appears to have shifted this time, with critics pointing to a series of high-priced engagements in their current quasi-royal tour.

Australian journalist Bevan Shields didn’t hold back in his assessment, writing in The Sydney Morning Herald, “Australia was good to Harry and Meghan in 2018, now they’re back to use us as an ATM.”

Petition Against The Trip Receives Over 45,000 Signatures

The pushback against Harry and Markle’s Australia visit has been growing, with a petition opposing their presence Down Under surpassing 45,000 signatures.

The outrage follows reports that Australian taxpayers could foot part of the bill for security arrangements during the trip, although the couple’s team insists the visit is privately funded.

A Change.org petition protesting their arrival argues that, amid rising inflation and cost-of-living pressures, taxpayer money should be used “responsibly and applied fairly, without special treatment for high-profile individuals.”

It goes on to urge the government to clearly confirm that no public resources will be allocated to the visit.

Prince Harry Opened Up On ‘Struggles’ As A Father

Harry also got candid about fatherhood during his visit to Australia, opening up about the personal struggles he faced before starting a family.

Speaking at a Melbourne event, the Duke of Sussex shared he felt the need to confront past trauma and work through it before welcoming children with Markle.

According to the Daily Mail, Harry explained to attendees how therapy played a key role in that process.

“Certainly, from a therapy standpoint, you want to be the best version of yourself for your kids,” he said. “And I knew that I had stuff from the past that I needed to deal with, and therefore prepare myself to basically cleanse myself of the past.”

Harry And Meghan Hit The Ground Running Despite Backlash

Harry and Markle appear to be making the most of their time in Australia despite the backlash they’ve been facing, as they jumped straight into a packed schedule upon arrival.

After touching down to a muted welcome on Tuesday, the couple quickly got to work with a series of public engagements across Melbourne.

They visited the Royal Children’s Hospital, where they spent time with patients and their families, posing for photos and sharing light moments. Meghan later stopped by McAuley Community Services for Women, a shelter supporting homeless women and survivors of domestic violence, where she helped serve meals.

The Duke and Duchess were also seen together at the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum, where they joined locals in creative activities, per PEOPLE.

Prince Harry Visited The War Memorial Alone

Harry also made a solo appearance in Canberra, where he visited the Australian War Memorial and spent time with local veterans.

During the visit, Harry took part in a traditional smoking ceremony, leaning over a fire pit and drawing the smoke toward his face in a symbolic cleansing ritual. He also laid a wreath in honor of fallen service members before attending a reception with Invictus Australia.

Support for the military community remains a core focus for Harry, who continues to champion veterans’ welfare through the Invictus Games.

The Harry And Meghan Face ‘Cash Grab’ Claims In Australia first appeared on The Blast