AceShowbiz - Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond recently shared her thoughts on the latest tour of Australia by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Despite the couple’s active engagements in Melbourne, Bond believes their visit will largely go unnoticed by the official royal family.

Harry and Meghan began their trip with several public appearances, including a visit to a children’s hospital in Melbourne. This hospital holds historical significance for the royal family, as it was opened by Harry’s grandmother and visited by his parents 40 years ago. Nurses reported that the children and their families were excited and curious to meet the couple in person.

While their arrival prompted a mix of reactions, from welcoming crowds to criticism, Bond expressed frustration over the persistent negative commentary aimed at the couple. She questioned why people continue to disparage their visit, which combines charitable work with commercial activities. According to Bond, the couple has never labeled their trip as an official royal tour, and they are not engaging in formal duties such as walkabouts or high-level meetings with dignitaries or politicians.

The visit occurs during the Easter holidays in the UK, a time when other members of the royal family typically take a break from public duties. This timing means there is little conflict with the official royal calendar, which Bond suggests is why the Firm is unlikely to pay much attention to the trip.

Bond acknowledged that the scale of public interest is smaller than during the couple’s earlier visits when they were working royals and enjoyed widespread popularity. Nevertheless, a significant number of people turned out to see them on the first day, indicating they still have a degree of celebrity appeal. Bond emphasized that Harry remains a prince and that media coverage keeps them newsworthy.

One point of contention noted by Bond involves commercial aspects of the visit. She described it as “a bit tacky” that Meghan is offering paid photo opportunities at events such as a women’s weekend retreat, linking this to her efforts to promote her As Ever brand. However, Bond framed this as a typical business strategy, implying that such moves are expected in their pursuit of commercial ventures.

Ultimately, Bond framed the Australia trip as exactly what the Sussexes intended when they stepped back from senior royal duties: combining income-generating activities with charitable work. She questioned the basis for ongoing controversy, suggesting that if there is any, it is unwarranted.

As the visit continues, it remains clear that Harry and Meghan are carving out a distinct path that blends philanthropy with entrepreneurship, even if it garners mixed responses from the public and the royal establishment alike.