The Irwin family turned down an opportunity to meet Prince Harry and Meghan during their four-day visit to Australia last week, a source has claimed.
The Duchess of Sussex had apparently been keen to connect with wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin and his relatives at their Queensland zoo.
Sources suggest Meghan, 44, was left disappointed when the famous Australian family politely declined the invitation.
An insider told New Idea magazine that aligning with the Irwins’ conservation efforts was something “Meghan and Harry could be on board with”.
A key factor in the decision appears to be Robert Irwin’s professional connection to Prince William, whom he serves as an ambassador for the Earthshot Prize environmental initiative.
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The reason behind the family’s decision centres on their deep-rooted support for the monarchy, according to the magazine.
“They meant no ill-will towards the Sussexes, but at the end of the day they are all staunch monarchists and fiercely loyal to The Firm,” the source added.
The Irwins, who run the famous Australia Zoo founded by the late Steve Irwin, apparently felt unable to accommodate the meeting despite harbouring no personal animosity towards Harry and Meghan.
“It just wasn’t possible,” another insider added, suggesting the family’s allegiance to the Crown took precedence over any potential collaboration with the Sussexes.
Robert Irwin’s commitment to William’s flagship environmental project evidently weighed heavily in the family’s considerations.
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A key factor in the decision appears to be Robert Irwin’s professional connection to Prince William, whom he serves as an ambassador for the Earthshot Prize environmental initiative.
The 22-year-old conservationist, who assumed the ambassadorial role in 2024, reportedly did not wish to create the impression of taking sides against the Prince of Wales.
When accepting the position, Irwin described the Earthshot Prize as “a beacon of hope for all of us who care about the environment and about our ability to ensure a liveable future for ourselves and future generations.”
His commitment to William’s flagship environmental project evidently weighed heavily in the family’s considerations.
The bond between the Wales family and Robert Irwin has been publicly demonstrated on multiple occasions.
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The bond between the Wales family and Robert Irwin has been publicly demonstrated on multiple occasions.
During a special episode marking Dancing with the Stars’ twentieth anniversary on American television, Prince William made a surprise video appearance to support the young Australian competitor.
The heir to the throne playfully addressed Irwin as “twinkle toes” during the call, joking: “We’re missing you, Robert. Whilst your ‘twinkle toes’ are going off elsewhere, I need you down here.”
Following Irwin’s victory in November 2025 alongside partner Witney Carson McAllister, both William and Catherine publicly congratulated him via social media, commenting on his celebratory post.