Meghan Markle allegedly expressed frustration about not receiving payment for performing what she saw as a basic royal obligation, according to claims in a royal biography.
Valentine Low, royal correspondent for The Times, revealed in his book Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown that the Duchess of Sussex struggled to grasp the significance of royal walkabouts—an integral part of public engagements during official tours.
In October 2018, just months after their wedding and shortly after announcing Meghan’s first pregnancy, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex embarked on a high-profile tour of Australia, Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand. Low writes that the couple was met with enthusiastic crowds and that Meghan’s casual, relatable demeanor was well received by the Australian public.
However, despite the warm reception, Meghan reportedly questioned the necessity of walkabouts—public meet-and-greets where royals interact with citizens—and was overheard expressing disbelief that she wasn’t compensated for participating.
Low recounts: “Although she enjoyed the attention, Meghan didn’t understand the point of all those walkabouts, shaking hands with countless strangers.
According to several staff members, she was heard saying more than once: ‘I can’t believe I’m not getting paid for this.’”
The book also cites a moment during their visit to the Sydney Opera House, where Meghan allegedly remarked to aides, “What are they all doing here? It’s silly,” upon seeing a large group of well-wishers gathered outside.
Meghan and Prince Harry eventually chose to step back from their royal roles in early 2020 and relocated to California. Now residing in a luxury estate in Montecito, they live a private life with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Though they are no longer senior working royals, the Sussexes did briefly reunite with the Prince and Princess of Wales for a walkabout in Windsor following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Meghan has not returned to the UK since that appearance.
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