Meghan Markle to join R30,000 ‘Girl’s Weekend’ Retreat during Australia visit
The Duchess of Sussex will be going on a special breakaway, without Prince Harry, during their trip down under.
Although the couple are no longer considered royals, they are still using their time and money to help others.
READ: "Royal family is missing the Meghan magic," says journalist
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are not obligated to make royal visits or forced to attend events, but they have remained charitable in their own capacity.
Most recently, the couple surprised the public with a visit to Jordan in the Middle East, which was not publicised until they arrived in the country.
READ: Superstar singer makes brutal dig at her exes while performing
One royal expert and reporter, ITV News Royal Editor Chris Ship, even spoke about the “Meghan magic” that is missing from the British Royal family.
Prince Harry and Meghan’s next visit is a trip to Australia, but the couple will also be splitting up for a few days.
READ: Does your relationship pass the ‘777 Rule’?
Australian podcast hosts, Jackie Henderson and Gemma O'Neill, shared the news that the Duchess will be joining one of their events.
The hosts made the announcement on their podcast ‘Her Best Life’, saying that Markle will be one of the guest speakers on their ‘Girl’s Weekend’ Retreat.
READ: South Africans react to which provinces "acts mean/nice" meme
The ‘Her Best Life’ Retreat will take place from April 17 to April 19 at the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, and will include many "meaningful speakers", including Markle, who will be hosting a Q&A session.
Host Gemma O'Neill spoke about the Duchess and how this collaboration came to be in an Instagram video, saying that even she is "flabbergasted" that this is happening.
READ: Legendary pop star arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence
O'Neill has also shared that Markle being part of the event actually happened a bit by coincidence, via text.
She said that she shares a mutual friend with the Duchess of Sussex, Markus Anderson.
READ: "Producers are scared to talk and scared to speak out," says South African journalist
Apparently, Anderson texted O'Neill in late 2025 while visiting Meghan's home, asking if she would ever like to collaborate with Meghan if she ever came to visit Australia, O'Neill said.
She was then contacted by someone on Meghan's team who said the Duchess would be happy to link up.
READ: Expert shares the minimum fuel amount needed in your tank
O'Neill said: "I am, like, beside myself about it, because I have admired this woman, and what she has endured, how she's risen above it, and how she has demonstrated how a woman can be pushed down, and she can still rise, and that person is Meghan, Duchess of Sussex".
And O'Neill is just as surprised about Meghan's appearance as anyone else:
And I can't believe I'm even saying those words. There's no one more shocked than me, because I know what you're all thinking, 'cause I'm thinking the same thing, which is 'how has Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, this incredible woman, gone from Oprah to talking on stage with just little odd me, Gemma in Sydney?'"
READ: Ex-Home Affairs employee allegedly sold fake visas to fund mansion
Tickets to the 'Her Best Life' women's retreat come in two packages:
- "Limited" Early Bird tickets at $2,699 per person (estimated R31,633)
- VIP Experience at $3,199 per person (estimated R37,493)
- seating at a table in the front two rows for the gala dinner with Meghan
- a group table photo with Meghan
- an exclusive VIP goodie bag
- premium ocean view hotel room (twin share)
- all weekend inclusions
READ: 8 Celebrated film directors without a single Oscar nomination
According to PEOPLE, a spokesperson for Meghan and Harry told the publication that, "the couple will be touring Australia in mid-April to 'take part in a number of private, business, and philanthropic engagements.' This will be their first trip to the country in over seven years. Their children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, will not be joining them."
Tune in to 'The Drive with Rob & Roz', on weekdays from 16:00 – 19:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
Follow us on social media:
Image: AFP