Meghan Markle is set to headline a pricey gala dinner, a move some say mirrors Sarah Ferguson’s approach of monetizing royal fame.

(L) Meghan Markle after attending an engagement with the Association of Commonwealth Universities; (R) Sarah Ferguson arrives at St George’s Chapel. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Chris Jackson; (R) Gareth)

Just days after announcing plans to visit Australia, news emerged that Meghan Markle would headline a gala dinner at the InterContinental Hotel in Coogee, Sydney. While royal fans were excited to meet the Duchess, the retreat’s exorbitant price tags discouraged many from purchasing tickets. As per the company’s website, early-bird passes started at $2,699, with attendance capped at just 300 guests. Commenting on the steep prices, a source compared Markle to Sarah Ferguson, infamous for monetizing her royal fame through commercial ventures.

Meghan Markle speaks onstage during Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day Festival 2023. (Image Source: Getty Images | Bryan Bedder for Project Healthy Minds)

Markle’s gala speakership comes in collaboration with Her Life Retreat, including a two-night stay at the hotel, entry to the gala dinner, meals and drinks, along with access to other wellness activities. Those with more to splurge can opt for a VIP experience costing $3,199, which comes with perks such as a ‘group table photo’ with the Duchess of Sussex and access to seats in the front two rows. In an article for The Daily Mail, royal expert Rebecca English quoted an insider who blatantly remarked, “She’s [Markle] basically Fergie,” referring to their similar approaches to earn money using royal fame.

Sarah Ferguson attends the Red Cross Charity Event. (Image Source: Getty Images | Daniele Venturelli)

For her part, after her highly publicized divorce from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Ferguson built a career selling books and building brand partnerships, all by leveraging her past life as a royal bride. Her smart plan worked wonders. She soon became the bestselling author, publishing children’s books such as the Budgie, the Little Helicopter series, as well as memoirs and lifestyle titles. She also pursued brand partnerships, most notably as a spokesperson for Weight Watchers in the 1990s. In addition to that, some agencies have listed her fee as $100K–$200K for paid corporate appearances, keynote speeches, fireside chats, and meet-and-greet events.

When it comes to the similarities, Markle and Ferguson have also been compared in the past. When news of Markle’s return to acting surfaced in November 2025, royal expert Kinsey Schofield told The Daily Mail, “Meghan’s return to Hollywood reflects her inability to deviate from Sarah Ferguson’s post-royal playbook. Both women have written children’s books, hosted podcasts, appeared on reality television, lifestyle television, and collaborated closely with Oprah Winfrey.” She continued, “Fergie has produced Hollywood films, and Meghan is producing Meet Me at the Lake. Fergie played herself in an episode of Friends; Meghan is now playing herself in Close Personal Friends.”

Sarah Ferguson holds a copy of her book ‘Budgie the Little Helicopter’ at Bloomingdale’s. (Image Source: Getty Images | Evan Agostini/Liaison)

As for Markle’s upcoming expensive retreat, Gemma O’Neill, co-host of the Her Best Life podcast, announced the happy news on her platform, “I know what you’re all thinking, because I’m thinking the same thing. How has Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, this incredible woman, gone from Oprah to talking on stage with just little old me, Gemma, in Sydney?” She added, “I have admired this woman and what she has endured, how she’s risen above it, and how she has demonstrated that a woman can be pushed down and she can still rise.” And while there continue to be mixed responses from critics and fans alike, Meghan Markle, in her signature style, rises above it all, intent on reaching her ultimate goal one way or another.