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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Australia tour is being funded in part by taxpayers,according to Australian police. Harry, 41, is due to land Down Under with Meghan Markle, 44, next week, as they commence the private tour, their first visit to the country since 2018.

A spokesperson for a constabulary said: "The New South Wales (NSW) Police Force will conduct an operation to ensure public safety is maintained during the visit by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The operation will require some additional security measures throughout their stay in New South Wales, while minimising any disruption to the community."

NSW Police typically provide standard services free, but events requiring increased security may involve a formal agreement for organisers to cover extra costs.

As reported in the Mirror, a Victoria Police spokesman also said: "Police routinely assess events and visits and will deploy resources as necessary to ensure community safety. Victoria Police does not provide comment on specific operational arrangements."

So far, over 40K Australians have signed a petition on change.org to protest against any tax-payer funded support for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their visit.

Part of the itinerary includes Meghan as the special guest speaker at the "Her Best Life" intimate luxury women's retreat, run by the company co-founded by Jackie "O" Henderson and her manager, Gemma O'Neill, which is being held at the InterContinental Hotel Coogee Beach in Sydney from April 17-19.

Her Best Life Retreat attracts a sold-out audience of approximately 300 to a hotel overlooking Coogee Beach. Those who purchased VIP packages will secure front-row positions and receive a group photograph with Meghan at the InterContinental Hotel gala.

The rest of their trip will feature engagements focusing on mental health, community resources and veteran-related issues, with specific details set to be unveiled.

It's also expected that Harry will take part in events relating to the Invictus Games, the international sporting competition for wounded, injured, or sick military service personnel and veterans, which he founded in 2014.

Although their official 2018 tour was on behalf of the late Queen, it was tied in with the Invictus Games, which were held in Sydney at the same time.