As Prince Harry and Meghan mark the conclusion of their brief tour in Australia, a recent survey reveals a strong consensus among Australians regarding taxpayer funding for the visit. According to the survey, a significant majority believe that public funds should not have been used to cover policing costs associated with their private trip, which some reported were still partially financed by taxpayers, as noted by The Sydney Morning Herald.
Nearly 90% of respondents from a sample of 904 on nine.com.au expressed that taxpayer money should not have been allocated for the visit, particularly amid ongoing financial struggles faced by many families. One individual described it as “almost obscene” that taxpayer funds were utilised for such purposes, given the couple’s considerable wealth.
Only a small fraction—6%—felt that it was justifiable to use public money for the policing of the event. Some argued that high-profile celebrities commonly receive police protection, suggesting there shouldn’t be a distinction for Harry and Meghan.
The tour also had commercial elements, with ticketed events that some readers indicated they would not pay to attend. Harry’s keynote speech at the InterEdge summit featured ticket prices soaring up to $2400, although reports suggest he was not compensated for this appearance. Meghan participated in a women’s retreat where tickets ranged from $2699 to $3199, and while she received some remuneration, it is believed to have been minimal. A staggering 97% of readers indicated they would not invest in attending either event.
Interestingly, public sentiment seems to shift when referencing members of the royal family who are currently performing official duties. More than half of the surveyed individuals indicated that taxpayer funding should support official royal visits, such as those by the Prince and Princess of Wales, with many arguing that they carry out essential work on behalf of the monarchy.
Conversely, there’s notable resistance to taxpayer funding for non-official royals like Harry and Meghan, reflecting a broader disapproval towards using public funds for royal tours. This sentiment underscores a desire for royals, regardless of their standing, to personally bear the costs associated with any visits to Australia.
Overall, the survey highlights a clear division in public opinion regarding the funding of royal engagement, emphasising a preference for fiscal responsibility and accountability from the royal family.