EXCLUSIVE: Prince Harry 'Fuming' at Meghan Markle's 'Tasteless Money-Grab' Event on Their Upcoming Australia Tour
Prince Harry is said to be raging over Meghan Markle's upcoming Australia event.
April 2 2026, Published 10:00 a.m. ET
RadarOnline.com can reveal Prince Harry is said to be "fuming" over Meghan Markle's upcoming paid meet-and-greet event in Australia, with insiders claiming the Duke views it as a "tasteless money-grab" that will damage both their reputation and his efforts to repair ties with the royal family.
Harry, 41, and Markle, 44, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are preparing for a high-profile visit to Australia later this month – their first there since stepping back as senior royals in 2020 and relocating to the United States.
Markle has prepared for a headline role at the Her Best Life event in Sydney.
The trip, which will include appearances in Sydney and Melbourne, blends philanthropic engagements with commercial ventures, including Markle's headline role at a luxury wellness retreat titled "Her Best Life."
The three-day event, hosted at a five-star Sydney hotel and co-organized with podcaster Gemma O'Neill, features a gala dinner, speaking appearance, and photo opportunities, with tickets starting at close to $2,000.
Prince Harry Reportedly Concerned Over Public Perception
Prince Harry is said to be fuming over Markle’s upcoming paid meet-and-greet in Australia.
A source close to the couple claimed: "Harry is absolutely furious about the way this has been framed, and he sees it as a tasteless money-grab that risks sending entirely the wrong message at a very sensitive time for him.
"It has left him feeling deeply uneasy because he knows how it will be perceived, particularly by his family and by critics who already question their motives – and that is the last thing he needs right now.
"He is genuinely concerned that it could undo a lot of the quiet progress he feels he has been making behind the scenes to repair relationships in the UK, especially with a return there on the horizon."
Another insider said: "From Harry's point of view, this kind of event feeds directly into the narrative that their trips are driven by image and financial gain rather than purpose, and he is determined not to reinforce that criticism as he tries to move forward."
Retreat Sparks Debate Over Commercial Approach
Markle is said to believe the event reflected her efforts to build a lifestyle brand.
The announcement of the retreat has drawn mixed reactions, with some fans praising Markle's involvement while others criticized the event as overly commercial.
Observers have pointed to the paid meet-and-greet element as particularly controversial, with critics questioning whether such experiences align with Harry and Markle's public messaging around service and philanthropy.
Those close to Markle, however, said she views the criticism as unfair and inconsistent. Insiders suggested she believes the event reflects her broader efforts to build a lifestyle brand and connect with audiences on her own terms following her departure from royal duties.
Couple Divided as Business Plans Expand
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Insiders have claimed the couple’s differing perspectives have created significant behind-the-scenes tension
She and Harry are expected to divide their time between charitable visits, private meetings, and professional engagements during the tour. Harry is scheduled to speak at a workplace mental health summit in Melbourne, continuing his advocacy in that area, while Markle is reportedly planning discussions to expand her brand, As Ever, into international markets.
According to sources, the differing perspectives on the trip have created tension behind the scenes. While Harry is said to remain cautious about public perception – particularly given past criticism of their post-royal activities – Markle is described as more focused on the opportunities the visit presents.
One insider said Markle sees little distinction between her participation in the retreat and Harry's paid speaking engagements. The source said she believes both are simply part of building independent careers outside the constraints of royal life, and that criticism directed at her reflects a double standard.
The debate comes amid renewed scrutiny of the couple's professional ventures, including their media projects. They have faced huge challenges in maintaining momentum following the end of their multi-year deal with Netflix.
Sources said Harry's concerns are heightened by the broader context of his relationship with the royal family, particularly as he considers future visits to the UK and his bid to reunite with the royal family.
