New polling data reveals that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex did not significantly improve their standing with the Australian public following their recent tour. The visit, intended to boost their profile, instead highlighted existing skepticism regarding their commercial activities and relationship with the British monarchy.

Polarizing Visit Down Under

A comprehensive national study conducted by Roy Morgan found that the four-day Australian tour, featuring appearances at the Australian War Memorial and on MasterChef Australia, failed to resonate positively with most Australians. While brand awareness of the visit is high – over 80% of Australians were aware of it – this did not translate into increased admiration for the couple.

Skepticism Regarding Royal Reconciliation

The survey, which polled 1,767 adults, revealed that 87% of respondents doubted the tour would lead to reconciliation between Prince Harry and King Charles III. Furthermore, a majority – 59% – opposed the idea of the couple permanently relocating to Australia.

Commercialization Concerns

Controversy surrounding the tour centered on allegations that Meghan Markle used a meeting with survivors of the Bondi terror attack to promote commercial interests. Critics, including royal expert Richard Palmer, have raised concerns about the marketing of attire worn by the Duchess during the sensitive engagement.

Monetizing Royal Appearances

The outfits worn during the Bondi visit were immediately available for purchase through an affiliate website, where Meghan Markle has both an investment and earns commissions. This was widely criticized as an aggressive attempt to monetize their royal brand. The situation has prompted calls for the Palace to reassess the couple’s status, fearing unfavorable comparisons to other royal controversies.

The perceived commercialization overshadowed the diplomatic intentions of the visit and deepened the existing rift in public opinion regarding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.