The Aussie ‘elites’ clinging to Harry and Meghan are the most unbearable part of this tour. Their fawning fan club won’t forgive me for this: AMANDA GOFF

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Please accept my apologies for not getting back to you this week. I’ve been quite ill with a terrible headache and severe nausea. It got so bad I even had to keep a bucket nearby.

I’ve decided I’m suffering from what I’m calling ‘Royal Repulsion’ – basically, I’m feeling sickened by the current wave of attention surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s visit to Australia. It’s a reaction to the over-the-top displays of admiration from local personalities as they tour the country while simultaneously asking for privacy.

It’s been utterly unbearable. But before I go on, let me make two things clear.

People say a lot of things about me, and I’ve heard it all, but I definitely don’t try to impress others. If I don’t like someone, I won’t hide it. No matter how important or popular you are, I won’t pretend to be a fan just for a picture or a moment in the spotlight.

Surprisingly, this isn’t really a criticism of Harry and Meghan. Their behavior on this tour hasn’t been particularly bad – it’s exactly what you’d anticipate, with the typical staged photos and Meghan’s familiar speeches about being relatable, delivered to enthusiastic groups of supporters.

No, it wasn’t the Sussexes who inspired me to pick up my poison pen.

Honestly, what really got to me was the group of cheerful Australians who suddenly became Harry and Meghan’s biggest fans this week.

Honestly, watching them approach the celebrities in Montecito, surrounded by all the fans practically stuck to them, has really bothered me.

Some people, it seems, have completely lost their minds over the royal couple.

A quick look at Instagram reveals the photos, enthusiastic captions, and overall excitement surrounding the #sussexroyal hashtag – though not everyone is impressed.

People who’ve met the couple in person are saying they’re ‘kind’ and ‘authentic,’ but that seems unlikely. Those meetings happened at fancy, exclusive events – hardly a genuine experience.

Here are my top three picks for best royal appearance this week, in no specific order. I know some people won’t agree with my choices, but I feel it’s important to share them.

1. Gemma O’Neill

Gemma. Oh, dear. I hate to kick a dog when it’s down…

I don’t have any issues with Gemma herself, and I really like Jackie Henderson, who’s a big star and a close friend of hers.

Also, I know she’s been going through a difficult time recently, with her business failing and a large tax debt.

But seriously, darl. You’ve turned fawning over Megs into a personality trait.

Everyone remembers the video she shared with her many followers, excitedly talking about a recent Zoom call with Meghan. She described Meghan as incredibly genuine, beautiful, and wonderful.

Pass the bucket. 

She disabled comments, probably to avoid hearing my opinion, so I’m sharing it now.

Gemma, it seems like you’re promoting your ‘Her Best Life’ retreat – which is happening right now – and I’m just wondering if you really needed to rely so heavily on your celebrity friend to do it.

Considering she only stayed for about two hours at your retreat before leaving to go to a rugby game with Harry, it’s a bit surprising.

2. Paul Dowsley 

I usually avoid criticizing other journalists, but I have to comment on Channel Seven reporter Paul Dowsley. He was so eager to get a selfie with Prince Harry that he actually tripped while trying to do so!

Please maintain professionalism. Getting names correct is essential for any reporter, but it’s equally important to report the facts objectively, not as a devoted fan.

It’s cringe with a capital C.

3. The Wipflis

This is where I’m really going to rub people the wrong way.

Perhaps this reveals more about my own biases, but I felt uncomfortable watching Nova radio host Michael Wipfli and his wife, Lisa, acting as if they’d known Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for years. It just seemed a bit odd.

The event in question was the Nexus Summit, hosted by lawyer Amanda Smorgon in her Melbourne home.

Honestly, getting invited to an event with royalty was amazing, but it was hard not to notice how much it felt like a celebration of Wippa and everything he’s achieved with his social media campaign. It really made me think he’s hoping to be recognized with an Order of Australia – he’s definitely putting himself forward, isn’t he?

Wippa shared a photo of himself having a serious conversation with the King’s younger son, and his wife also shared the post. He captioned it with a thoughtful message about discussing digital wellbeing and children with the Prince.

To be honest, Wippa’s idea – 36 Months, which aims to delay kids getting on social media until they’re 16 – is a good one, and I generally support it.

Simply changing the laws in Australia doesn’t seem to be enough for Wippa, who also wants official endorsement – a royal stamp of approval.

While attending the event, Wippa’s wife also took a selfie with the Duchess.

It’s no secret that Lisa’s popularity and success have increased dramatically in recent years.

I smiled, remembering when she attended the extravagant birthday party for Deborah Symond-O’Neil, the heiress of Aussie Home Loans. Other guests included fitness instructor Bernadette Sukkar and public relations expert Montarna McDonald.

The party, inspired by the novel Wuthering Heights, took place at Deb’s incredibly expensive home – a $21 million mansion! They even had a sculpted butter centerpiece that cost $1,500. It’s a bit much when many people are struggling to afford everyday groceries.

I suddenly realized how much things have changed – Deb, Bernie, and everyone else seem so ordinary now compared to Harry and Meghan. Lisa, you’ve really reached the top – congratulations!

I could detail all the ordinary people who shared photos with the Sussexes and wrote overly enthusiastic captions, but I’m worried it would be exhausting.

Fortunately, by the time you’re reading this, Harry and Meghan will be returning to California – a place ironically famous for its lack of privacy.

Unfortunately, their devoted fans will likely be upset – and I might face their wrath!

 

New to DailyMail+? Read more from Amanda Goff 

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2026-04-17 17:05