Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex returned to Australia for the first time since 2018 today – arriving in Melbourne and spending the day with organizations and communities working at the forefront of care, recovery, and human connection. From supporting children and families navigating complex health journeys, to meeting women rebuilding their lives, to honoring veteran families, the day reflected a shared commitment to service and strengthening communities.
Supporting Children’s Health and Wellbeing
The day began at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne (RCH), where the couple were welcomed by the hospital’s CEO and senior leaders in adolescent and mental health. The hospital is widely recognized as one of Australia’s leading pediatric centers , delivering integrated, world-class care to children and young people.
After meeting children and families along Main Street, the couple spent time in the hospital’s Kelpie ward, which through their Adolescent Health Service, supports young people experiencing complex physical and mental health challenges. They spent time inn Kelpie’s therapy garden, where RCH patients grow herbs and vegetables for the hospital’s kitchen as part of RCH’s Therapeutic Garden Program. There, they heard directly from staff about the importance of holistic, patient-centered approaches that prioritise emotional wellbeing alongside clinical treatment, like the therapy garden program, which harnesses the benefits of nature.
Community and Care at McAuley
In the early afternoon, The Duchess visited McAuley Community Services for Women, a specialist organisation supporting women and children experiencing family violence, homelessness, and related challenges.
Rooted in a mission of dignity and compassion, McAuley provides crisis accommodation, refuge services, and longer-term housing, alongside programs focused on recovery, wellbeing, and independence. They also have a focus on early intervention, a model that aims to keep women and children safe in their own homes and prevent homelessness before it begins.
During her visit, The Duchess joined staff and residents in serving a shared meal – an experience that sits at the heart of McAuley’s community model. Time spent in the kitchen offered an opportunity for connection, with conversations centered on the importance of safe spaces, supportive networks, and the role of community in healing.
The Duchess also met with Micaela Cronin, Australia’s inaugural Commissioner for Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence, and several women supported by the organisation, hearing their stories and learning more about the pathways McAuley creates for families to rebuild their lives with stability and hope.
Honouring Veterans Through Art and Reflection
Later in the afternoon, the couple visited the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum (ANVAM), where they met with members of the veteran community and their families.
ANVAM is a veteran-led organisation that uses artistic expression as a means of supporting wellbeing and fostering connection. Through exhibitions and creative programs, veterans are able to share their experiences, offering powerful insights into service and its lasting impact.
The Duke and Duchess viewed a selection of artworks and spoke with veterans and their families about the role creativity can play in recovery and community building. The visit underscored the importance of creating spaces where lived experiences can be expressed, understood, and honoured.
Across each engagement, a consistent theme emerged: the importance of connection – whether through care, community, or creativity. From hospital wards to community kitchens to art spaces, The Duke and Duchess witnessed the many ways in which individuals and organisations across Melbourne are working to support one another and build stronger, more resilient communities.
Photo Credit: Jordan Rajek for The Office of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex