and 's upcoming Australian trip has been billed as a grand homecoming - a return to the country where they enjoyed a rapturous hero's welcome eight years ago.
But as the date approaches, doubts are emerging over whether the visit will even proceed as planned. Since its announcement, the tour has faced a groundswell of backlash, logistical headaches and a string of setbacks that threaten to derail the high-profile tour before it even begins.
At the centre of the drama is Meghan's headline (and so far, singular) engagement: a speaking appearance at the exclusive 'Her Best Life' retreat, scheduled from April 17 to 19 at the InterContinental in Coogee Beach.
The event, billed as a three-day wellness and empowerment experience for women, commands ticket prices ranging from $2,699 to $3,199 per person.
While organisers are claiming the pricey event has already sold out, beneath the surface, cracks are showing.
Entrepreneur Gemma O'Neill, who is organising the retreat via her company Besties, has a chequered history with large-scale events. In 2023, Besties was set to host a sold-out luxury summit at Kokomo Private Island in , boasting a celebrity speaker line-up including comedian and fashion designer .
Eight years ago, Harry and Meghan enjoyed a rapturous hero's welcome on their Australian tour. This time around, things could be very different
In their now-infamous televised interview with Oprah Winfrey, Harry and Meghan said their Australian tour was a catalyst behind their decision to step away from royal duties. 'After we had gotten back from our Australia tour, we talked about things really started to turn, when I knew we weren't being protected,' Meghan said in the 2021 sit-down
While organisers are claiming the Her Best Life Retreat event has already sold out, beneath the surface, cracks are showing
Tickets for that event started at $9,000 for a shared room and $18,000 for a solo booking, with guests expected to arrange their own travel to the island.
However, the retreat was cancelled weeks before it was due to take place, leaving many disappointed. It raises questions about O'Neill's ability to deliver on high-profile promises.
This time, the shadow of uncertainty is cast not only by the organiser's track record, but by the state of the retreat venue itself. The InterContinental Sydney in Coogee Beach is in the middle of an ambitious $111million redevelopment.
Construction on key facilities - including its new leisure deck, infinity pool, spa and Club InterContinental - is ongoing, with completion slated for April, mere days before the 'Her Best Life' event is meant to begin.
The timing leaves little room for error, and according to the hotel's own website, several amenities remain unfinished, adding further doubt as to whether the venue will be fully operational for Meghan's appearance.
Additional legal wrangling has complicated matters: a court dispute over noise regulations with Randwick Council has delayed the renovation, with hotel operators seeking to bypass requirements for a noise management plan.
Attendees anticipating picturesque sunrise swims may be disappointed for another reason: Coogee Beach is grappling with a persistent pollution crisis. Since early 2024, waves of mysterious, foul-smelling brown balls, later identified as a blend of cooking oil, soap scum, hair and human waste, have repeatedly washed up on shore.
Experts believe the balls broke off from a 'fatberg' within Sydney's sewer system, an issue still not fully resolved. The vision of a serene, luxury beachfront experience stands in stark contrast to the reality facing local residents.
In February, Jackie O (right) stepped away from her Besties business partnership with Gemma O'Neill (left). O'Neill asked Jackie to interview Meghan at the retreat, but she refused
In 2023, Besties was set to host a sold-out summit at Kokomo Private Island where Jackie often holidays with daughter Kitty (right). The event was cancelled just weeks out from the big day
O'Neill's connection with Meghan was reportedly facilitated by Markus Anderson, a mutual friend and Soho House consultant. Anderson is known for curating celebrity relationships and was instrumental in Meghan's early days with Harry. (Anderson and Meghan are seen in 2014)
The speculation is that the royal trip may coincide with the long-anticipated opening of Soho House Sydney, a point of intrigue among members, though the club's official opening date remains secret.
