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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have kicked off their four day visit to Australia. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are carrying out engagements tied to their personal charitable and business interests.
They will visit Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney from April 14 to 17.
Their arrival marks a return to a place where they’ve been warmly welcomed before, although this is a trip like no another.
Stepping down from royal duties, though, hasn’t stopped the enduring fascination Australians have with the Sussexes.
Here is the best moments from their 2026 visit…
TV queen
Melbourne, April 15
No, this isn’t another April Fool’s Day joke after Larry Emdur took to social media to prank that he had secured an excluisve for Seven with the Duchess of Sussex.
Meghan really did stop by the MasterChef kitchen in Melbourne to film a celebrity guest spot while Harry headed to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
Meghan joins a stellar lineup of stars on the upcoming season including Robert Irwin and Jimmy Barnes.
A press release from Network 10 described her as “a passionate foodie with global influence”.
Time to celebrate
Canberra, April 15
During an evening reception at the Australian War Memorial with the Invitus Foundation, the prince was clearly among friends.
Harry couldn’t wipe the smile off his face and he hugged several attendees who were enjoying a cocktail function.
“G’day everybody,” Harry said as he took the podium causing the crowd to laugh.
Paying tribute to the Australian team Harry said: “Nowhere is the impact of Invictus more evident than here in good old Australia. Since the Invictus Games in Sydney in 2018, Australia hasn’t just carried the torch — you’ve raised the standard.”
Moment of silence
Canberra, April 15
In front of four-deep crowd, the prince laid a wreath at the pool of reflection as the Austrlian War Memorial held their moving Last Post ceremony.
After placing the floral trinute down, Harry bowed his head in a respectful moment of silence.
Show of support
Canberra, April 15
Upon entering the Hall of Rememberance, a fan yelled out a message of support ot the Duke who responded with a wave to the crowd.
“Prince Harry. You’re still a prince,” the man said.
Warm welcome
Canberra, April 15
Harry took part in a smoking ceremomy at the War Memorial
The ancient Indigenious practice uses the smoke of native plants for cleansing, healing and protection.
The prince bathed leaned over the fire pit as he bathed his face in the smoke.
Mark of respect
Canberra, April 15
LTCOL Joseph West and Prince Harry laid a wreath at a memorial dedicated to current and ex-serving Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander veterans.
Getting hands on
Melbourne, April 14
Harry wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty as he joined children at the Australian National Veterans’ Art Museum in making things out of clay.
Founded in 2013 by Tanja Johnston, the mueseum was established to provide a platform for veterans to share their stories and experiences.
Tall tales
Melbourne, April 14
Meghan joined a pottery session with the children of veterans, known as “doves” by the museum, where she crafted a clay ostrich.
“There’s an ostrich farm actually not far from our home,” she told the kids.
Stylish arrival
Melbourne, April 14
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were all smiles as they arrived at the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum (Anvam) in Southbank as the last engagment on the first day of their visit.
Meghan wore a mock neck sleeveless sweater by Australian brand P Johnson, with a skirt and bomber jacket by St. Agni another local label.
Meals together
Melbourne, April 14
Meghan joined staff at the McAuley Community Services for Women, a women’s homeless and family violence shelter, to help serve a meal to patrons on April 14. The duchess covered her Karen Gee dress with an apron as she handed out frittata. Food is one of the duchesses great passions.
Sweet gifts
Melbourne, April 14
Four-year-old patient at the Melbourne Children’s Hospital, Lily, presented the couple with a hand-drawn sign that said “Welcome Harry and Meghan” and gave a flower to the duchess.
In the garden
Melbourne, April 14
Harry and Meghan took part in a garden therapy session with patients at the hospital, smelling plants and flowers.
Asked if he would like to take some gumtree home, Harry joked: “I would, but I think I’d probably get arrested at some point.”
Step out in style
Melbourne, April 14
Meghan made a stylish start to the visit, stepping out in a navy Priscilla dress from Karen Gee.
During the first stop in Sydney on their 2018 royal tour, Meghan also wore a dress by the Australian designer.
“I feel incredibly grateful. Seeing Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wear Karen Gee again, after first choosing the brand during her 2018 Australian visit, feels very meaningful to me on a personal level,” Gee tells WHO.
“Over time, a genuine relationship has been built, and that continued support is something I don’t take for granted. It’s not just about the moment, it’s about the trust a woman places in what you create, and how it makes her feel.
“For me, it’s a quiet but powerful reminder of why I started Karen Gee, to design pieces that women can return to, feel confident in, and rely on time and time again”.
Bedside manner
Melbourne, April 14
Harry and Meghan visited with patients including teenager Hamish and his family during their visit to Melbourne’s Children’s hospital on April 14.
Warm welcome
Melbourne, April 14
While there had been a lot of speculation in the lead up to their arrival over whether people would be happy to see the duke and duchess. It was a welcome fit for a king and queen when parents, staff and patients greeted the Sussexes upon their arrival at Melbourne’s Children’s Hospital.
“Look around and you can see the crowds of people, the smiles on their faces and what it means to them. Everyone is absolutely delighted,” Professor Christine Kilpatrick AO who serves as Board Chair of The Royal Children’s Hospital declared of the visit to People.
