In a recent interview with The Sun, royal expert Ingrid Seward shed light on Meghan Markle’s first overseas tour to Australia with Prince Harry, revealing that the experience was a significant learning curve for the Duchess of Sussex.
Seward described how the trip, which took place in 2018, was an “eye-opening” moment for Meghan, particularly as it marked her first major royal tour. Reflecting on that time, Seward explained that Meghan may have been surprised by her role within the royal family, especially in comparison to the current tour of Australia being undertaken by King Charles and Queen Camilla.
According to Seward, Meghan faced a reality check during the tour. “I think Meghan came into shock after playing the part of the princess, only to learn that she was not the star of the show but just a cog in the wheel,” Seward remarked.
The 2018 tour was monumental for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, especially as Meghan announced her pregnancy during the visit. “The Australians were very flattered by that, and she played her part brilliantly,” Seward noted, adding that at the time, Harry and Meghan were seen as “young and fresh,” bringing a renewed energy to the royal family.
However, Seward suggested that Meghan’s experience on the tour was more complex. “I think Meghan wasn’t seeing it quite like that. I think she enjoyed the adulation. She enjoyed playing the part of the princess as she saw it,” the royal expert said.
Despite enjoying the public admiration, Meghan reportedly found it challenging to adjust to the strict protocols of royal life. “But I also think it was a bit of a shock. She was being told what to do, where to go, and how to do it. And she wasn’t taking a starring role,” Seward added.
Meghan’s time in Australia, according to Seward, highlighted the difficult balance of royal duties and personal expectations, providing an early glimpse into the struggles that would later shape her and Harry’s decision to step back from their roles as senior royals.