Top News

Meghan Markle allegedly asked a media executive to interview her for an event, rather than an Australian radio star, out of concern that her cause might be overshadowed. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are beginning a visit to Australia this week, which includes charitable and commercial engagements across Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney.

Meghan, 44, is due to appear at the women's weekend event, Her Best Life Retreat, where a ticket costs over £1,500 (AUS$3,000). The Duchess will be interviewed at a gala dinner being led by talent agent Gemma O'Neill. The event is being organised by O'Neill and her pal Jackie Henderson's [Jackie O] company, We Are Besties.

Ms Henderson is a high-profile radio DJ in Australia. She also presented a podcast with Ms O'Neill, called Her Best Life, which aims to promote women in business.

An insider is reported by Sky News Australia as telling New Idea magazine that Meghan "wants to steer clear of anything that could overshadow her mission", adding: "It's why she requested Gemma handle her interview, rather than Jackie O.

"Meghan really likes Jackie, but she has too much going on in her own life - and the focus of this tour should be 100 % on As Ever and her and Harry's philanthropic work."

Ms Henderson has made headlines in Australia recently after an on-air row with her shock jock co-host Kyle Sandilands and the end of their show on KIIS FM.

She is also involved in legal action against the Australian Radio Network, seeking damages after the termination of her contract.

Ms O'Neill was reported to have previously admitted she did not want to interview Meghan and had "begged" Ms Henderson to do it, Sky News Australia reports.

The broadcaster suggested there is some uncertainty as to whether Ms Henderson would be at the retreat, having "stepped away" from We Are Besties and the Her Best Life podcast in March.

Prince Harry and Meghan's office has said their four-day visit will focus on mental health, community resilience and support for veterans and their families, alongside private meetings and special projects.

VIP tickets for the "girls" weekend event at the five-star InterContinental Coogee Beach hotel in Sydney include a group table photo with the Duchess. Those tickets come with a £1,670 price tag.

Meanwhile, Harry, 41, will be a guest speaker on Thursday at the InterEdge Summit, which explores the "intersection of leadership, psychosocial safety and human connection in the workplace".

Delegate tickets for the summit, hosted at Melbourne's Centrepiece conference venue, are available for £525, with platinum tickets costing £1,250 and a virtual ticket allowing on-demand access to Harry's speech costing £260.

Harry and Meghan's office said: "Across all engagements, the visit will highlight the Duke and Duchess's continued commitment to supporting mental health, strengthening support for the armed forces community, and championing the power of connection and shared experience to drive positive change."