Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s office issued 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 activities in Melbourne have been shared on their official website.
The statement appears in sussex.comIt read: “Prince Harry and Meghan Markle returned to Australia today 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 chief executive and senior leaders in adolescent and mental health.
They posed for selfies, worked in the garden 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 at the hospital’s Kelpie Ward, which through its Adolescent Health Service supports young people experiencing complex physical and mental health challenges.
“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
In the early afternoon, the Duchess visited McAuley Community Services for Women, a specialist organization supporting women and children experiencing family violence, homelessness and related challenges.
During her visit, the Duchess joined staff and residents to serve a shared meal, an experience which is at the heart of McAuley’s community model.
Honoring veterans through art and reflection
The couple later visited the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum (ANVAM), where they met members of the veteran community and their families.
ANVAM is a veteran-led organization that uses artistic expression as a means to support wellness and foster connection.
The Duke and Duchess viewed a selection of artwork and spoke to veterans and their families about the role creativity can play in recovery and community building.
The couple, who are no longer working royals and visit in a private capacity, will combine visits to charitable causes with money-making events.
The schedule also reflects the business aspect of the trip, with Harry giving a keynote speech at a summit where tickets cost up to A$2,400 (£1,260) per person.
Meghan will have an “in-person conversation” at a women-only “girls weekend” in Sydney, hosted by the producers of the Her Best Life podcast.
It is unclear how much the Sussexes are paid for business events.
