Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Tension and Criticism During Their 2018 Australian Tour

The 2018 royal tour of Australia by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was marked by significant tension and criticism. This tour was not just a diplomatic visit but a media spectacle, and it quickly became a major talking point both in Australia and internationally. This article explores the events and the reasons behind the tension and criticism that arose during their visit.

The Demands and Behaviors

One of the primary points of contention was the reported demands and behavior of Meghan Markle. According to various reports, she demanded the entire governor's house, a clear statement that she was not merely satisfied with the standard royal accommodation. This demand was seen as a luxury beyond the usual royal protocol, and it raised questions about the level of comfort and expectation that the couple brought with them to the tour.

Another incident that added to the tension was her reported outburst towards staff, often referred to as "throwing hot tea." Allegedly, she had thrown hot tea over staff members who were trying to provide better accommodation. This behavior was described as "appalling" and was widely criticized both within Australia and on a global scale. Such actions not only undermined the image of the royal couple but also signaled a lack of respect for the staff who were working tirelessly to make the tour successful.

The Expectations and Dissatisfaction

Around the same time, the royal couple was facing a backlash for not adhering to the traditional and expected roles of the monarchy. The criticism came from both the press and the general public. Some felt that Meghan and Harry were not truly committed to their roles as representatives of the monarchy, while others believed that their presence in the tour was primarily for financial gain, which the couple has repeatedly denied.

The overarching question that emerged was: why were the royal couple performing duties that were not in line with their initial public image? The initial splash of attention and the significant media coverage seemed to have put pressure on them to perform in a way that met the public's expectations, or else face criticism. This led to a perception that they were not genuine in their duties and were only doing them out of some ulterior motive.

The Public's Perception and Criticisms

The public often holds the royals to a high standard, and any misstep can quickly become a reason for widespread criticism. The reported incidents of Meghan's behavior during the tour, particularly the outburst and the demand for premium accommodation, were seen as deviations from the expected norms. These actions were seen as a breach of the unwritten codes of respect and humility that are typically associated with the role of a member of the royal family.

The criticism was further compounded by the perception that the royal couple was only engaging in their duties out of financial incentive, despite stating that they are committed to humanitarian causes. The press and the public often view such claims with skepticism, especially when faced with incidents that appear to go against the expected behavior.

Conclusion

The 2018 Australian tour of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was a complex affair marred by tension and criticism. While the public and the press had certain expectations from the royal couple, the reported incidents of behavior and demands cast a shadow over the tour. It raises important questions about the roles of modern royals, the expectations placed on them, and the challenges they face in maintaining a balance between their duties and public perception.

Ultimately, the tension and criticism faced by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their Australian tour highlight the complexities of modern royal engagements and the expectations that come with them.