When Prince Harry and Meghan stepped off a plane in Sydney in October 2018, the world was watching. They arrived as newlyweds. Within hours, Kensington Palace had announced Meghan was expecting their first child! It set the tone for a tour that would generate headlines around the globe.
The tour lasted 16 days with more than 70 engagements. The couple charmed crowds. They met drought-stricken farmers in Dubbo. They even cuddled koalas at Taronga Zoo. And most memorably, they cheered on wounded veterans at the Invictus Games. For many Australians, it remains the defining image of the couple at their most purposeful.
Less than 18 months after that tour, the Sussexes stepped back from royal duties. They also relocated to the United States. Much has changed since then.
Their April 2026 return, the first since 2018, is much different in tone and engagements. Meghan is set to headline a women’s retreat in Sydney. Prince Harry will also speak at a mental health conference in Melbourne.
Whether their return generates the same electricity as that first visit remains to be seen. In the meantime, here is a look back at the most memorable moments from their 2018 Australian tour.
Admiralty House visit
October 16, 2018: Sydney
Australia’s Governor General Peter Cosgrove and his wife Lady Lynne Cosgrove posed with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during a Welcome Event at Admiralty House.
Off to the Zoo
October 16, 2018: Sydney
The couple said hello to a Koala called Ruby during their visit to Taronga Zoo.
A quiet moment on the steps of the Sydney Opera House
October 16, 2018: Sydney
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, took part in a public walkabout at the Sydney Opera House.
When Harry met Daphne
October 16, 2018: Sydney
The Duke of Sussex met 98-year-old Daphne Dunne during a meet and greet at the Sydney Opera House.
A warm welcome
October 17, 2018: Dubbo
Five-year-old Luke Vincent was on hand to give the couple a warm greeting as they arrived at Dubbo Airport.
Rain day
October 17, 2018: Dubbo
Luckily, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, was on hand with an umbrella while Prince Harry addressed the public during a Community Event at Victoria Park.
On the farm
October 17, 2018: Dubbo
Farmers Scott Woodley (L), his daughter Laura (2nd L) and wife Elaine (C) took the couple to the hay shed during a visit to their drought-affected farm, Mountain View in Dubbo.
“Fluro Friday”
October 19, 2018: Bondi Beach
Britain’s Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, pose during a “Fluro Friday” session run by OneWave, a local surfing community group that raises awareness for mental health and wellbeing, at Bondi Beach. British royals Harry and Meghan kicked off their shoes and donned tropical lei-style garlands as they hit Sydney’s famed Bondi Beach for the latest stop on their Australian tour.
Bridgeclimb
October 19, 2018: Sydney
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, climbs the Sydney Harbour Bridge with Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison and Invictus Games competitors.
ANZAC Memorial
October 20, 2018: Sydney
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, take a tour alongside The Governor of New South Wales, David Hurley and his wife Linda Hurley as they attend the Official opening of the ANZAC Memorial at Hyde Park.
In the driver’s seat
October 20, 2018: Sydney
Young remote control drivers were awarded by the couple during the JLR Drive Day at Cockatoo Island.
On the Harbour
October 21, 2018: Sydney
The royal couple cheered on sailors on Sydney Harbour during day two of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018.
Meet and greet
October 21, 2018: Sydney
Greeting children at a reception hosted by the Prime Minister of Australia at The Pavilion Restaurant.
Invictus Games
October 21, 2018: Sydney
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, meets Australian athlete Ben Yeomans as he wears a pair of Budgy Smugglers on his head during the Invictus Games Cycling at the Royal Botanical Gardens.
K’gari Tribe
October 21, 2018: Sydney
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, met with and posed for a group photo with the tribe of K’gari on October 22, 2018, in Fraser Island, Australia.
K’gari plaque reveal
While with the K’gari People, Prince Harry unveiled a plaque inscribed with “Forest of K’gari”.
Meet and Greet on Fraser Island/K’gari
The Australian Geographic Society Gala Awards
Prince Harry made a memorable speech at the Australian Geographic Society Gala Awards.
Wheelchair Basketball Gold Medal Match
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are long-time fans of basketball, and during their 2018 Australian tour, the couple attended the Netherlands versus the United States of America wheelchair basketball match at the Invictus Games.
Wheelchair Basketball Match
In a memorable moment for the Invictus Games, Prince Harry and Meghan presented winning medals to the American Wheelchair team.
So long, for now
The couple depart Sydney for New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Next time they will be in Australia in 2026!
