In the aftermath of Meghan Markle‘s marriage to Prince Harry in 2018, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex embarked on a whirlwind tour of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Tonga.
Their packed itinerary included a notable stop at the Invictus Games in Sydney, where they managed to squeeze in an impressive 26 engagements over a mere 16 days.
During their stay at Admiralty House in Australia, rumors swirled in the media, particularly in tabloids, about Meghan Markle’s alleged behavior.
Reports suggested that she was dismissive towards the staff, declined to wear a gifted Akubra hat, and made extravagant demands regarding her food and beverages.
Additionally, it was widely speculated that she insisted the Governor General and his wife vacate Admiralty House, the official Sydney residence of the Governor General, for the duration of her visit.
Traditionally, Admiralty House has hosted esteemed guests such as the Queen, Heads of State, Heads of Government, and Royalty when visiting Sydney, all under the hospitality of the Governor General.
Despite this precedent, Markle was granted VIP treatment as a member of the Royal Family representing the Queen, Australia’s titular Head of State.
The Governor General, known as Gigi, fulfills the Queen’s constitutional duties in Australia and abroad, overseeing all aspects of Markle and Harry’s royal visit, including transportation and security arrangements funded by the Australian Government.
However, Markle’s reported discontent over being served the wrong organic food or encountering other unspecified issues during her stay raised eyebrows.
Such behavior was deemed unbecoming of someone representing the Queen, who is renowned for her impeccable conduct during visits to Australia, which come at a significant cost to Australian taxpayers.
Markle’s alleged lack of respect towards the Governor General, the highest office in Australia, further fueled criticism of her conduct.
Australians, known for valuing modesty and humility, expressed disdain for what they perceived as entitled, rude, and demanding behavior from Markle.
Basic civility, especially towards domestic staff, is highly regarded in Australian culture, a stark contrast to perceived American norms.
Markle’s reported actions, including an incident where she allegedly threw hot tea at Admiralty House staff, only added fuel to the controversy surrounding her visit.
Notably, Princess Diana‘s biographer, Tina Brown, claimed that Meghan Markle struggled with the traditional engagements during the tour, finding them outdated and preferring to focus on causes aligned with her personal interests.
Brown’s book, “The Palace Papers,” highlighted Markle’s belief that her celebrity status warranted greater recognition within the monarchy, suggesting a clash between her expectations and the realities of royal life.
Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding their visit, Meghan and Harry managed to carve out a brief moment of respite from their official duties.
The couple reportedly enjoyed a secret evening with friends, including Meghan’s close confidante Jessica Mulroney and her husband, Ben, in Sydney.
Escaping the public eye, they indulged in a five-course meal prepared by a private chef at a billionaire’s home, providing a glimpse into the more private moments of their high-profile tour.
As the Duke and Duchess navigated the complexities of royal responsibilities and personal desires during their time in Australia, the unfolding drama surrounding Meghan Markle’s conduct underscored the challenges of balancing tradition, public expectations, and personal aspirations within the royal family.
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