In a surprising turn of events during their Australian tour, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were snubbed by Robert Irwin and his family. The 22-year-old wildlife conservationist’s refusal to meet the couple underlines a deeper allegiance—the Irwins are known as staunch monarchists, fiercely loyal to the Royal Family.
The couple’s visit included various charity events and commercial appearances, yet they found themselves on the outskirts of one significant engagement. “They meant no ill-will towards the Sussexes, but at the end of the day they are all staunch monarchists and fiercely loyal to The Firm,” a source close to the situation explained. This sentiment reflects a broader sentiment among many Britons—recent polls indicate that 4 out of 5 oppose the Sussexes using royal titles for commercial gain.
While Meghan Markle is 44 years old and continues to pursue her philanthropic endeavors, Robert Irwin’s youth and connections play a pivotal role in this narrative. As an ambassador for Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, Robert has cultivated a close relationship with William, which likely influenced his decision not to engage with Meghan and Harry. “It just wasn’t possible,” another source stated regarding their potential meeting.
The Irwins have collaborated with the Royal Family on official engagements in the past, which adds layers to their decision-making process. Observers noted that aligning with causes supported by the Irwins could be an avenue for Meghan and Harry—”Aligning with the Irwins’ worthy causes is something that Meghan and Harry could be on board with,” said one commentator.
The cost of attending some of Meghan’s events has raised eyebrows as well; standard entry tickets for her retreat were priced at AUD 2,699, while VIP packages reached AUD 3,199. Participants received gift bags valued at AUD 200, highlighting the commercial aspect of her engagements.
As this story unfolds, it remains clear that Robert Irwin’s ties to Prince William have cemented his family’s position within royal circles. The young conservationist was particularly close to Harry’s brother William—he didn’t want to upset the Prince of Wales by appearing to side with Meghan.
Details remain unconfirmed about how this snub will affect future relations between the Sussexes and the Irwins. Yet it signals a notable division within royal affiliations in Australia—a country where loyalty to tradition often runs deep.
