Meghan and Harry ‘snubbed’ by Steve Irwin’s household over ‘loyalty’ to William
The family of legendary Australian zoo keeper Steve Irwin reportedly snubbed Harry and Meghan the ‘staunch monarchists’ aimed to stay loyal to Prince William, amid backlash over the couple’s tour
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly been given the cold shoulder by the Irwin family during their trip Down Under(Image: Jonathan Brady-Pool/Getty Images)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly been given the cold shoulder by the Irwin family during their trip Down Under, with the wildlife dynasty said to be “fiercely loyal” to Prince William. The Duchess of Sussex, 44, is alleged to have been keen to rub shoulders with Robert Irwin, 22, son of legendary animal conservatist Steve, at Australia Zoo.
However, the Montecito pair are claimed to have been turned down by the conservationist clan, who are said to be “staunch monarchists.” The snub comes as the Sussexes face a backlash over their four-day Australian tour, which critics have slammed as a money-making exercise.
The Irwins have long-standing ties to the Royal Family, meeting with King Charles back in 2018. Most recently, Robert Irwin stepped up as a global ambassador for Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, even flying to South Africa in 2024 to support the cause.
According to New Idea magazine, the Irwins hold “no ill-will” but simply couldn’t make a meeting work.
An insider claimed: “Aligning with the Irwins’ worthy causes is something that Meghan and Harry could be on board with.”
However, the invitation was politely declined. The source added: “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.”
Robert in particular was reportedly wary of annoying the Prince of Wales by appearing to take sides. “It just wasn’t possible,” the source noted.
The snub isn’t the only thing raising eyebrows. Meghan’s “Her Best Life” retreat in Sydney has come under fire after guests paid up to $3,199 (£1,660) for VIP packages, only to walk away with “budget” gift bags.
While attendees enjoyed Champagne and selfies, the canvas bags contained a $21 can of edible flowers., $18 lip glaze available at Coles supermarkets, $4.50 bags of supermarket sweets and $28 leather bookmark.
The total value of the haul was estimated at just under $200 – a far cry from the “ultra-premium” luxury many expected for the price tag.
The tour has been described by some as a personal “ATM” to fund the couple’s lavish California lifestyle.
Controversy peaked when Meghan visited survivors of the Bondi terror attack. Shortly after the emotional meeting, the outfit she wore, including a $440 shirt and $950 bag, was uploaded to a fashion site she invests in, where she reportedly earns a commission on sales.
Royal expert Richard Palmer said: “This is perhaps the starkest example yet of Harry and Meghan’s efforts to commercialise their royal brand. I think this will have alarm bells ringing at the palace.”
Despite the noise, sources close to the Sussexes insist the trip was a “blueprint for the future,” claiming the “half in, half out” royal model is officially working.
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