Meghan Markle faces mounting hostility from Australians as plans for her upcoming visit to the country gain traction, with public sentiment turning sharply negative compared to the enthusiastic reception during her 2018 royal tour with Prince Harry. The trip, centered on an exclusive women-only weekend retreat in Sydney where Meghan is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at a gala dinner, has sparked widespread criticism over ticket prices starting at £1,400, perceived exploitation of her former royal status, and demands that no public funds support the event. Commentators and everyday citizens have labeled her a “gold-digging grifter,” accusing the Duchess of Sussex of leveraging celebrity and residual royal connections for personal profit following her step back from senior royal duties in 2020.

The backlash intensified after announcements highlighted the high costs and exclusive nature of the gathering, prompting accusations that Meghan is capitalizing on her title without providing genuine value to locals. TalkTV host Mark Dolan captured the prevailing mood by stating Australians “don’t want to see” the couple, contrasting the 2018 tour’s success—where crowds adored the young family—with today’s perception of Meghan as someone who has changed dramatically. He described her as a “gold-digging grifter,” a phrase that quickly spread across social media and news outlets, reflecting frustration over what many view as inauthentic or opportunistic behavior.

Polls and petitions underscore the opposition. A Yahoo Lifestyle Australia survey of nearly 10,000 readers found 67 percent unexcited about the visit, with comments focusing on fatigue from perceived grifting. An online petition circulated by taxpayers demands no government or public money be allocated, emphasizing that Harry and Meghan are now private citizens who “no longer represent the crown.” Critics argue the event resembles a “faux royal tour,” especially after recent trips to places like Jordan, which drew similar mockery for appearing contrived.

Royal experts have weighed in on the shift. Kinsey Schofield noted that while 2018 saw genuine affection for the couple’s fresh energy and new parenthood, familiarity has bred contempt. Australians now associate Meghan with controversies—staff allegations, media battles, and commercial ventures—that clash with the egalitarian values many Aussies hold dear. The high ticket prices for what some call a “women-only retreat” have fueled claims of elitism, with locals questioning why ordinary people should fund or tolerate what appears to be a money-making scheme tied to her duchess title.

Sky News Australia segments amplified the narrative, with hosts and guests describing the visit as part of a “fake royal world tour” designed to generate income amid reported financial pressures on Archewell and other ventures. Paul Murray and others accused Meghan of needing money, pointing to the steep fees as evidence of desperation rather than philanthropy. The contrast with her Netflix projects and lifestyle branding has led to portrayals of her as out of touch, further alienating a public that values authenticity and fairness.

The couple’s history in Australia adds irony to the current reception. In 2018, they undertook an official tour that included engagements in Sydney, Melbourne, and other regions, drawing massive crowds and positive coverage. Harry spoke warmly of the country’s spirit, and Meghan charmed audiences with her poise. That goodwill has eroded, replaced by skepticism fueled by post-royal developments: the Oprah interview, Spare memoir revelations, and ongoing legal disputes. Many Aussies feel the Sussexes have profited from royal associations while criticizing the institution, leading to resentment over any return that appears self-serving.

Media personalities have declined involvement, signaling broader disinterest. Australian podcaster Jackie “O” Henderson turned down an interview opportunity with Meghan, underscoring reluctance to engage. Public comments on platforms like YouTube and Facebook echo the sentiment, with users calling the visit a “disaster” and labeling the couple “grifters” who exploit the royal name for financial gain. Some speculate marital tensions or Harry’s reluctance play into the planning, but the focus remains on public rejection.

Defenders argue the criticism stems from misogyny or media bias, pointing to Meghan’s advocacy work and the couple’s charitable efforts. However, the dominant narrative in Australian coverage frames the visit as tone-deaf, especially amid economic pressures where high-priced events feel exclusionary. The retreat’s focus on empowerment has been overshadowed by perceptions of hypocrisy given past controversies.

As the mid-April dates approach, the backlash shows no signs of abating. Petitions grow, social media trends with anti-visit hashtags, and experts predict a muted or hostile reception compared to 2018. The episode highlights how quickly public affection can sour when former royals transition to private celebrity life, particularly when perceived as monetizing their past status.

For Meghan and Harry, the Australia trip represents a high-stakes test of relevance outside royal frameworks. If opposition persists, it could deter future engagements or force significant adjustments. The “gold-digging grifter” label, harsh as it is, encapsulates a broader Australian sentiment: appreciation for the monarchy’s traditions but little patience for those seen as exploiting them for personal gain. Whether the visit proceeds smoothly or becomes another chapter in their post-royal challenges remains to be seen, but the message from Down Under is unmistakable—many simply do not want Meghan Markle back in this capacity.