More than 35,000 Australians have signed the petition, raising concerns about whether taxpayer money could be used to cover costs related to the couple’s trip, including security and transport. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are scheduled to arrive in Australia in just a few weeks.
Concerns Over Public Spending
The petition, hosted on Change.org, argues that the visit should be treated strictly as a private matter. It states:
“The activities are private and commercial and must be treated strictly as a private visit.”
It also highlights broader financial pressures facing Australians, adding:
“At a time when Australians are facing significant cost-of-living pressures, including rising grocery bills, fuel prices, mortgage stress driven by interest rate hikes, and increasing energy costs, public resources must be used responsibly and applied fairly, without special treatment for high-profile individuals.”
So far, both federal and state authorities have not clarified who would cover any associated costs.
Sussexes’ Team Responds
In response, the couple’s spokesperson dismissed the concerns, insisting the trip is privately funded.
“It’s a moot point,” the spokesman told the Daily Mail.