Meghan Markle Proposes Casual 'Meg' Name During Australian Hospital Visit
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have embarked on their first Australian visit in eight years, marking a significant departure from their previous royal tour in 2018. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are currently undertaking a four-day private tour that combines charitable engagements with commercial opportunities, reflecting their post-royal family career paths.
Relaxed Approach to Titles and Formal Protocol
During a visit to Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital, hospital staff inquired about how the couple preferred to be addressed. Prince Harry responded with a casual shrug, stating "However you like," while Meghan Markle suggested simply "Call me Meg?" according to reports from The Telegraph. Their aide confirmed this relaxed approach, noting that "Harry and Meghan is fine, they're pretty relaxed" when discussing title preferences.
The aide elaborated that both Harry and Meghan "love Australia, and are really excited to return," describing the country as feeling like home for Prince Harry, who has "spent a lot of time here and is really looking forward to meeting up with old friends."
Private Tour Structure and Funding Controversy
This visit differs substantially from their 2018 tour as senior working royals, notably lacking the traditional "walkabouts" where royal family members interact with crowds. Instead, the Sussexes are focusing on mental health initiatives, community resilience programs, and support for veterans and their families, alongside private meetings and special projects.
A Change.com petition demanding that Harry and Meghan receive "no taxpayer funding or official support" during their private Australian visit gained significant traction, accumulating over 45,000 signatures. The petition argued that "public funds should not be used for private visits." In response, the couple's office issued a statement confirming the trip is privately funded and emphasizing its charitable focus.
Australian Itinerary and Engagements
Following their Melbourne hospital visit, the couple traveled to Canberra where Prince Harry visited the Australian War Memorial with Indigenous Veterans and attended a reception for Invictus Australia. Their schedule includes an Aboriginal walking tour in Melbourne and Harry's keynote speaking engagement at the InterEdge Summit.
On their final tour day, April 17, the Duke and Duchess plan to sail around Sydney Harbour with Invictus Australia and attend a rugby match at Allianz Stadium.
Meghan's Commercial Ventures and Speaking Engagements
Beyond official engagements, Meghan Markle is reportedly expanding her lifestyle brand, As Ever, during this Australian visit. She will also serve as headline guest speaker at podcaster Gemma O'Neill's "Her Best Life" event, dubbed "Meg-stock" by some observers.
The luxury weekend event at Sydney's five-star InterContinental Coogee Beach hotel runs from April 17 to April 19, with standard tickets priced at £1,400 and VIP access including a group photograph with Meghan costing £1,670. Event organizers describe it as "an intimate luxury weekend by the ocean designed to bring women together for powerful conversations, relaxation, laughter and unforgettable experiences."
The podcast promotion highlights that "the highlight of the weekend will be an in-person conversation with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex," though Meghan herself suggested the more casual "Meg" during her hospital visit earlier in the tour.
This Australian visit represents the Sussexes' evolving public identity as they balance charitable work, commercial ventures, and their transition away from formal royal duties, with Meghan's name preference signaling their continued move toward a more relaxed public persona.
