Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s office released the first statement as the couple began their four-day trip to Australia on Tuesday.
Details of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s first day’s activities in Melbourne have been shared on their official website.
The declaration appears on sussex.comread: “Prince Harry and Meghan Markle today returned to Australia for the first time since 2018.”
The couple spent the day with organizations and communities working at the forefront of care, recovery and human connection.
The day began at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne (RCH), where they were welcomed by the hospital’s CEO and senior leaders from the adolescent and mental health sector.
They posed for selfies, gardened with hospital patients and doctors, and helped veterans’ children make pottery during their busy day.
The statement continued: “After meeting children and families along Main Street, the couple spent time in the hospital’s Kelpie ward, which, through its adolescent health service, supports young people facing complex physical and mental health issues.
“They spent time in the Kelpie Therapeutic Garden, where RCH patients grow herbs and vegetables for the hospital kitchen as part of the RCH Therapeutic Garden Program.”
Community and Care in McAuley
Earlier this afternoon, the Duchess visited McAuley Community Services for Women, a specialist organization which supports women and children experiencing domestic violence, homelessness and related challenges.
During her visit, the Duchess joined staff and residents in serving a shared meal – an experience that is at the heart of McAuley’s community model.
Honoring Veterans Through Art and Reflection
Later in the afternoon, the couple visited the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum (ANVAM), where they met members of the veterans community and their families.
ANVAM is a veteran-led organization that uses artistic expression as a means to support well-being and foster connection.
The Duke and Duchess viewed a selection of artworks and spoke with veterans and their families about the role creativity can play in community recovery and development.
The couple – who no longer work as senior royals and are visiting in a private capacity – will combine visits to charitable causes with money-making events.
The program also reflects the business side of the trip, with Harry due to give a speech at a summit where tickets cost up to A$2,400 (£1,260) per person.
Meghan will hold an “in-person conversation” at a women-only “girls’ weekend” in Sydney, hosted by the producers of the Her Best Life podcast.
It’s unclear how much the Sussexes are paid for business events.
