The Sussexes are set to head down under next month

Australian media personality Jackie “O” Henderson has declined the chance to sit down with Meghan Markle during the Duchess of Sussex’s forthcoming trip to Australia.

The interview duties will instead fall to Gemma O’Neill, Ms Henderson’s former co-host on the Her Best Life podcast, who now presents the show independently following Ms Henderson’s exit last month.

Ms O’Neill, a former staffer and producer for Nicole Kidman, expressed her disbelief at the booking. “I keep having to pinch myself that Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is coming to sit down with me.”

“I’m just a mum from Sydney with a podcast that started as a passion for those trying to live their best lives,” she told News.com.au.

An Australian podcaster has turned down the opportunity to interview Meghan Markle

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The duchess will address attendees at an exclusive women-only gathering in Sydney next month, where she is set to give a speech during a gala dinner. The three-day event coincides with the Sussexes’ Australian visit in April.

Entry to the retreat starts at approximately £1,400, whilst those opting for VIP packages will gain front-row positioning and the chance to be photographed alongside Meghan in a group setting.

Ms O’Neill revealed that the duchess “really loves what our community is about, which is women trying to grow” and “be their best selves”.

The gathering will welcome 300 women to the event.

The retreat will be hosted at a five-star hotel overlooking Coogee Beach, with the programme featuring a fireside chat format between O’Neill and the Duchess.

Meghan Markle will be the headline for the weekend retreat

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Beyond the headline interview, attendees can participate in yoga sessions, sound healing experiences and psychological discussions throughout the weekend.

The Her Best Life podcast promoted the gathering as one “that fills your cup and reminds you how powerful women are when we come together”, encouraging listeners to “bring your bestie, come solo, or gather your girls”.

The announcement arrives shortly after Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, ended its partnership with Netflix.

The streaming deal, struck in 2020, had seen the couple commit to producing television content and films.

Her cookery and lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, ran for two series plus a Christmas special but struggled to draw significant audiences.

Harry and Meghan pictured in Sydney in 2018 when they attended as working royals

| GETTYThis Australian visit marks a return seven years after their previous trip as working royals.

That 2018 tour proved a considerable success, coming just after their wedding and featuring the announcement of Meghan’s first pregnancy.

The couple stepped back from senior royal duties in January 2020.