Meghan Markle asked an audience of fans who paid £1,700 for the opportunity to meet her if she could finally invest in herself.
During a VIP gathering at Sydney’s Her Best Life retreat on Friday, the Duchess of Sussex posed the question to her devoted supporters.
“I’ve spent all my life investing in women, can I finally invest in me?” Meghan asked during her 90-minute stage appearance.
Attendees had paid as much as £1,700 for premium tickets to the exclusive event, which granted them front-row seating at the question-and-answer session.
Meghan Markle asked an audience of fans who paid £1,700 for the opportunity to meet her if she could finally invest in herself.
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They also had the chance to be photographed alongside the Duchess of Sussex.
The appearance marked the conclusion of Meghan’s four-day Australian visit, with the retreat held at the InterContinental hotel near Coogee beach.
Event organisers reportedly paid £120,000 to secure the Duchess of Sussex’s attendance at the gathering.
Guests were treated to an elaborate gala dinner featuring Hiramasa kingfish tostada, vannella burrata, riverina Angus beef tenderloin, and mango and passionfruit pavlova.
During a VIP gathering at Sydney’s Her Best Life retreat on Friday, the Duchess of Sussex posed the question to her devoted supporters.
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GETTY
Prince Harry attended the event and stood to welcome his wife as she entered, greeting her with a kiss before assisting her onto the stage.
The Duchess of Sussex chose a cashmere tank from Australian label Scanlan & Theodore, paired with beige trousers and nude heels.
Notable attendees included broadcasters Jackie O Henderson and Carrie Bickmore, as well as reality television personality Megan Towner.
A strict prohibition on filming was enforced throughout proceedings.
The Duchess of Sussex told the crowd that her time in the public spotlight had been “very difficult,” attributing criticism directed at her to the “projections” of others.
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The Duchess of Sussex told the crowd that her time in the public spotlight had been “very difficult,” attributing criticism directed at her to the “projections” of others.
She reflected that the past decade, which included joyful milestones such as her wedding and the births of her two children, had been overshadowed by hostile attacks.
According to an unnamed guest who spoke to The Times: “She was saying that she wanted to be an antidote for everything online that was vicious, venomous and unfairly cruel.”
Meghan explained that becoming a mother had given her perspective and patience, qualities she required “given what our life is like.”
The Duchess of Sussex has faced criticism for commercialising elements of her Australian trip.
She has partnered with AI fashion platform OneOff, enabling fans to purchase items from her wardrobe, with the Duchess expected to receive a share of sales commission ranging from 10 to 25 per cent per item.
Meghan is also an investor in the technology-driven fashion business.