Harry and Meghan Australia Tour 2026: A look back at the best photos from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s 2018 royal visit ahead of trip

It’s been eight years – and how does that feel a life full of headlines – since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex last set foot in Australia.

In October 2018, months after their excess Windsor Castle Wedding, Prince Harry And Meghan traveled Down Under for them first official royal tour as a couple.

This month they are return under very different circumstancesrepresenting themselves rather than the British Royal Family.

Watch the video above.

The trip comes six years after the Duke and Duchess announced they were stepping back as working royals and moving to the US.

For four days, Harry and Meghan will visit different citiescarrying out assignments related to community resilience, support to the armed forces and mental health.

Much of their visit is under wraps for now, so in the meantime, let’s share some of the most memorable moments and photos from the Sussexes’ 2018 Australian royal tour.

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A curious airport accessory

Eyebrows were raised across the country when Meghan was spotted arriving at Sydney Airport with a large folder in her hand.

The photos sparked intrigue and speculation, which was proven correct hours later announced they were expecting their first child.

The news made the visit extra fun. During the course of the royal tour, the expectant parents received 236 baby gifts – including a small pair of Ugg boots and a toy kangaroo belonging to Governor General Peter Cosgrove.

A little rain

The couple’s visit to Dubbo produced perhaps the most memorable photo of the royal tour.

While the trip to the NSW city was partly to highlight the impact of the region’s drought, it appeared the royals brought the rain with them.

As Harry addressed the crowd at a community picnic in Victoria Park, Meghan held an umbrella above him for protection from the much-needed downpour.

The Sussexes spent the day in Dubbo and were eagerly greeted by a group of local schoolchildren upon arrival at the airport.

Five-year-old Luke Vincent couldn’t hide his excitement and rushed forward to hug the royal family at a perfect moment.

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You can’t come to Sydney without having your photo taken with the Opera House, right?

On the first day of their engagement, Harry and Meghan visited Admiralty House – which offers incredible views of the harbor and sights – before heading to the Opera House for a public meet-and-greet.

A photo of the couple descending the famous building past the stars was later immortalized and used as a poster for their Netflix series Harry & Meghan.

Like William and Kate before them, the couple also visited Taronga Zoo, another classic Sydney to-do list item.

Harry and Meghan were in good company and met a koala named Ruby

And of course a pilgrimage to the iconic Bondi Beach was also on the agenda.

The couple joined local surfing community OneWave for the ‘Fluro Friday’ event, joining members as they sat on the sand to discuss mental health.

Harry and Meghan wore colorful lei in honor of the costume theme

An Aussie (rules) rite of passage

While in Melbourne, Meghan tried her hand at the city’s favorite sport: Aussie rules.

While attending a women’s empowerment event at the MCG, the Duchess handballed a Sherrin and joked: “I’m not sure I did it right!”

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A sweet reunion

Among the crowds who gathered at the Opera House to catch a glimpse of the royals was Prince Harry’s “biggest fan”, 97-year-old former soldier Daphne Dunne.

The prince first met Dunne, who served as a corporal in the Australian Women’s Army Service and whose husband served in the Second World War, during a walk in 2015.

They met again in Sydney in 2017, when Harry was in town to promote the Invictus Games.

When Harry spotted Dunne in the crowd, he rushed over to greet her like an old friend, and also took a moment to introduce her to his new wife.

On the road

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