The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made their first official stop on their Australian tour at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, where they were warmly welcomed by young patients and their families hoping to catch a glimpse of them. Arriving in a black Range Rover at midday, Harry and Meghan greeted enthusiastic fans as they entered the hospital.
During their visit, they spent about ten minutes interacting with young oncology patients and their families in the foyer before heading to a private area of the hospital to meet other patients. Dressed elegantly for the occasion, Meghan wore a navy maxi dress and heels, while Harry opted for a smart casual look with a white shirt and navy blazer. The couple engaged warmly with visitors, taking selfies and accepting flowers from the children as they navigated the hospital halls.
The Royal Children’s Hospital has a historical connection to the royal family, having been opened by Harry’s grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, in 1963, with prior visits from Harry’s parents, King Charles III and the late Princess Diana, during their own tour in 1985.
Later in the day, Meghan is set to visit a women’s homeless shelter, aiming to connect with women affected by domestic violence. Their Australian itinerary focuses on community resilience, support for armed forces, and mental health initiatives, and they will be in the country for four days.
This visit marks the couple’s first return to Australia since their royal tour in 2018 and their first public appearance since stepping back from royal duties in 2020. While they are scheduled for various private and philanthropic engagements in Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney, they will not perform any official royal duties nor conduct public walkabouts or meet-and-greets, which typically characterise such tours.
Plans for public appearances in Melbourne and Sydney were reportedly scrapped due to leaked information, further limiting their interactions with the public during this visit. Notable events on their itinerary include Harry’s keynote speech at the InterEdge Psychosocial Safety Summit in Melbourne and Meghan’s appearance at a women’s retreat in Sydney.
As their tour unfolds, the couple continues to maintain a low-profile approach, ensuring their visit reflects their current non-royal status while still engaging with important social issues.