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Guests who paid thousands to attend Meghan Markle's Her Best Life retreat in Sydney over the weekend have been left less than impressed by the budget gift bags they were given. Described by organisers as an "intimate luxury weekend by the ocean," guests were treated to Champagne, selfies with the duchess and plush hotel rooms as part of the AUD $3,199 (£1,700) a ticket event.

However, instead of being given ultra-premium beauty products, attendees were handed a mix of affordable wellness and supermarket-adjacent items, including a small can of Meghan's famous As Ever edible flowers, totalling just under $200 (£106). On Friday night (April 17), Meghan spent just two hours with female fans who paid to ask her questions and pose for a group table photo, leaving with her husband, Prince Harry, shortly after 7pm.

Included in what organisers called "an exclusive VIP goodie bag" in a branded canvas bag was a small $21 (£11) can of Meghan's famous As Ever edible flowers, alongside a Tri-Peptide Lip Butter Glaze, which is on sale at Coles for $18 (£9.50).

There was just one other item from her As Ever collection - a 'Hold That Thought' leather bookmark, which is sold online for $28 (£15). There were also $21 (£11) Hunter lavender-scented candles and a Love Tea gift box set valued at $39 (£21). A bag of Funday sweets, which retail for $4.50 (£2.40) and are available at most supermarkets, was also included.

Tickets for the retreat cost $2,699 (£1,429) for standard entry or up to $3,199 for VIP premium packages, which offered more direct access to Meghan. Attendees had to pay an extra $500 to get a picture with Meghan at the event, organised by broadcaster Jackie 'O' Henderson and Gemma O'Neill's Besties company.

Paying guests arrived at the new five-star InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach hotel from 3pm, met with bag searches and body scans as part of the strict security arrangements, with the official event beginning at 5pm. On stage at the gala dinner - where guests ate kingfish, beef tenderloin and coconut crumble - Meghan described her "very hard" life in the public eye, claiming she has been "attacked" ever since marrying Prince Harry in May 2018.

She said she had enjoyed "amazing moments" since meeting the British royal, including getting married and having two children, but insisted she had also "endured" constant attacks for a decade.

Attendees were told there was a "no recording policy for the duration of her interview," calling it a "non-negotiable security requirement".

After leaving the gala after just 120 minutes, the Sussexes made their way to a match between th NSW Waratahs and Moana Pasifik. Participants then spent the remaining weekend relaxing at the hotel where they lounged by the pool, took part in yoga and meditation sessions, did "sound healing" and listened to inspirational guest speakers.