Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has drawn criticism from a royal commentator after details surfaced about a controversial attendee at her upcoming wellness retreat in Australia. The event has also sparked controversy due to the exclusion of a journalist who had initially secured a spot.
Upcoming Australian Visit and Wellness Retreat
Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, plan a four-day trip to Australia next week to highlight their personal projects and business initiatives. Meghan focuses on expanding her lifestyle brand, As Ever, into new markets.
She will appear as a guest speaker at the women-only Her Best Life Retreat in Sydney from April 17 to 19 at the five-star InterContinental Hotel. Tickets cost £1,440 per person, accommodating up to 300 women for a three-day luxury experience featuring powerful discussions, relaxation, laughter, and memorable activities.
The program includes a gala dinner with an on-stage conversation involving Meghan. VIP tickets offer premium front-row seating and a group photo opportunity with her.
Journalist Denied Access
A journalist, Ariana Pezeshki, registered interest and received confirmation from organizer Gemma O’Neill that she would be welcome. However, after discovering her media background, organizers revoked the invitation, citing the event’s closed-door nature.
Pezeshki recounted to 7news: “That was the moment everything changed. Instead of an invoice, I got a phone call attempt followed by an email that blindsided me: they had become aware that I work in media and, because this was a ‘closed-door experience’, they were no longer able to offer me access.”
Note that O’Neill’s talent management company entered liquidation in November last year.
Controversial VIP Attendee
Meanwhile, a prominent Sussex supporter and vocal critic of the Royal Family—particularly Princess of Wales Catherine—secured VIP tickets. Known online as @zandisussex and identifying as a ‘Sussex Squad lieutenant’ who is ‘unapologetically woke,’ this individual has previously labeled Catherine’s cancer diagnosis as ‘fake’ and a ‘scam,’ while referring to her as ‘Kitty.’
She has also promoted products from Meghan’s As Ever brand.
Royal Commentator’s Response
Veteran royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams condemned the selective attendance, stating: “The event has attracted publicity for all the wrong reasons. When it was discovered that she was from the media, one guest was disinvited, which, considering the Sussexes’ phobia about the media, was not surprising. However, reports indicate that an attendee, who is a member of the Sussex Squad and who posts under the pseudonym @zandisussex and who made disgusting allegations about the Princess of Wales’s cancer being ‘fake’ has been allowed to buy VIP access at this event. How low can you get?”
