A royal commentator has claimed that the Sussexes have ‘positioned themselves as heirs’ as the couple execute a carefully planned ‘faux royal’ tour in Australia
Harry and Meghan are currently on a tour in Australia (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
As Harry and Meghan conduct their engagements in Australia, the pair have been scrutinised for what appears to be a ‘faux royal’ tour, despite their departure from the royal family.
The four-day visit is packed full of engagements reflecting their key interests; emphasising the veteran community, mental health, sport and youth empowerment.
Visits were planned in Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney and the arrival of the Duke and Duchess has received a mixed reaction from Australians with some Aussies branding the couple ‘irrelevant’ while other gave the former royals a warm welcome.
The pair have made visits in Melbourne and Canberra so far(Image: AP)
The pair have already visited the Royal Children’s Hospital and Harry went on solo trips on Wednesday to the Australian War Memorial and opened up about his struggles and therapy at a talk with men’s mental health charity Movember.
However, despite this not being a royal tour, critics have been quick to note its stark resemblance with royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams asserting “they were obviously positioning themselves as heirs”.
Fitzwilliams added: “It has never been disputed that when Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior royals after wanting to be ‘half in half out’ it was a blow to the contemporary image of the institution.
“This subsequently and infamously degenerated into a deep and lasting rift.
“Watching them at carefully pre-planned events on their “faux royal” tour of Oz, you can, however, see the appeal.”
Prince Harry and Meghan’s trip has been shrouded in controversy(Image: Getty)
On Tuesday, the pair spoke to youngsters and posed for photos at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne in a moment that parents described as bringing well-needed ‘smiles’ to their children’s faces.
But, although there is clear joy among those in attendance, these interactions have been seen as ‘hypocritical’.
Fitzwilliams said: “You can also see the carefully planned choreography behind the charming images at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.
“The visit was carefully planned to make them successors to a royal tradition, Queen Elizabeth had opened it in 1963 and Harry’s parents visited in their 1985 tour.
“The images of them with the children were touching and heartwarming. To pretend that they were ‘call me Meg’ non-royals was totally hypocritical, they were obviously positioning themselves as heirs to a royal tradition.
“Had they simply stepped back, but been positive about the institution, a way might have subsequent to the Sandringham Agreement, have been found for them to use their undoubted talents when pressing the flesh.
“Meghan’s visit to a woman’s refuge was another example.”
The Duke of Sussex takes part in a Q&A session during a visit to Movember at the Western Bulldogs HQ at Mission Whitten Oval, in Footscray, Melbourne, on day two of the royal trip to Australia. Picture date: Wednesday April 15, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire
On day two of the tour, Harry carried out solo engagements, most notably addressing his struggles of early fatherhood, in his visit to a Melbourne football club before making his way to Canberra where he took part in war memorial ceremonies.
Royal expert, Fitzwilliams said: “Harry’s engagements to on Day 2 saw him in his element.
“His Invictus links do give him special status when dealing with the military, which has meant so much to him.
“When he said he needed to ‘deal with stuff from my past’ and ‘cleanse’ himself, it almost certainly resonated with those he was with, it is the way he has done this that has caused the breach with his family.
“The Sussexes relentless positivity in their public appearances in charitable events is so at odds with their actual private behaviour.
“Meghan personifies it in her public appearances, yet only has close relations with her mother and is estranged from the rest of both sides of her family and so appears ruthless and artificial.
“The tour appears to be progressing as the Sussexes had hoped so far, despite media scepticism and tickets are reportedly still available if you feel like being cleansed during a ‘girls wellness weekend’ with Meghan or hear Harry speak on mental health!”