Despite the couple’s insistence that their 2026 trip is privately funded, Australian taxpayers are expected to cover some police security costs

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle landed in Melbourne on Tuesday morning, marking the start of a four-day Australian visit that has already sparked political controversy over security costs.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made the Royal Children’s Hospital their first port of call, where hundreds of patients and their families had assembled to greet them.

The couple devoted nearly 40 minutes to meeting the crowd, taking photographs and chatting with young cancer patients during what became a 90-minute engagement that overran its scheduled time.

When asked for a message to Australians, Harry expressed his gratitude, saying it was “great” to be there and adding: “Thanks for having us back.”

When asked for a message to Australians, Harry expressed his gratitude, saying it was “great” to be there and adding: “Thanks for having us back.”

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Following the extended engagement, the Duke of Sussex returned to his hotel, while Meghan continued her schedule with a separate appointment.

The hospital visit carried particular personal resonance for Harry, whose grandmother Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the facility in 1963 before returning in 2011 when it moved to new premises.

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The couple’s previous Australian trip was their official royal tour in 2018, which took place shortly after their wedding.

Despite the couple’s insistence that their 2026 trip is privately funded, Australian taxpayers are expected to cover some police security costs, prompting tens of thousands to sign a petition demanding the Sussexes pay all expenses themselves.

Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson voiced her objections on Tuesday, stating: “Victoria Police are there to provide security and safety for Victorians. So any suggestion that officers are going to be pulled off duty to provide security and protection for Harry and Meghan’s visit is absolutely unacceptable.”

Libertarian MP David Limbrick echoed the criticism: “If people want to spend thousands of dollars on former royals, that’s fine. But Victorian taxpayers should not be on the hook to provide the security of millionaires.”

Following the extended engagement, the Duke of Sussex returned to his hotel, while Meghan continued her schedule with a separate appointment.

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The Sydney Morning Herald accused the couple of treating Australia “like an ATM”.

Meghan’s afternoon took her to McAuley Community Services for Women, an organisation supporting those affected by family violence and homelessness, reflecting her ongoing commitment to women’s equality and empowerment.

The Duchess of Sussex continues to serve as patron of Smart Works, the charity providing interview clothing and coaching to long-term unemployed women, a position she assumed during her time as a working royal.

For her Melbourne engagements, Meghan chose an ink navy Priscilla dress by Australian designer Karen Gee, valued at $1,250 (£655), with a press release confirming she had “personally selected” pieces from the designer’s collection for the week.

The couple flew business class on a commercial flight from Los Angeles, departing through VIP arrivals without a police escort.