Meghan Markle is facing fresh criticism ahead of her April Australia visit, with some critics already calling her “Sarah Ferguson 2.0.” The Duchess of Sussex is set to return to Australia with Prince Harry for the first time since their 2018 royal tour. Their spokesperson told an outlet the couple will take part in “private, business and philanthropic engagements.” Still, Meghan’s Australia trip is already drawing scrutiny. The reason is a one-stop, involving a paid, women-only event in Sydney.
Meghan Markle criticized for ‘faux royal’ trip to Australia, per source
As per RadarOnline, Meghan Markle will appear as the headline dinner speaker during a three-day Sydney retreat scheduled for April 17. While people reported the event runs from April 17 to April 19 at the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach. It includes a gala conversation with the former “Suits” alum. Organizer Gemma O’Neill defended the appearance, saying, “I have admired this woman and what she has endured.” She also said Meghan joined because “she really loves what our community is about.”
However, the backlash is centered on optics. RadarOnline quoted one insider as saying Meghan is being nicknamed “Sarah 2.0” because critics believe she is trading on royal-style visibility. The report said the comparison to Sarah Ferguson comes from the nature of the engagement rather than any palace role. Another source argued the event “blurs the line between private business ventures and the kind of engagements royals used to perform in an official capacity.” So, the criticism is less about the speech itself and more about how Meghan’s Australia trip may be perceived.
That context matters because of Harry and Meghan’s last visit to Australia. In October 2018, they were there for an official royal tour. Then, in 2020, the Sussexes agreed to step back from royal duties and stop carrying out representative work for the monarch. Buckingham Palace later confirmed in February 2021 that they would not return as working members of the Royal Family. In that light, even private overseas appearances can attract royal-style debate. That is why Meghan, Sarah, and “faux royal” comparisons are now being folded into the same conversation around this trip.
Originally reported by Santanu Das on Reality Tea.
