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Meghan Markle is once again showcasing her knack for turning lifestyle acumen into lucrative ventures, this time by spearheading an exclusive retreat in Australia. The event, named “Her Best Life,” is offering VIP tickets at an impressive $3,199 each.
Grant Harrold, who previously served as a royal butler to King Charles III, shared his thoughts on this development in a conversation with Page Six for CasinoHawks. Ahead of Markle’s panel appearance at the retreat, Harrold expressed his insights on her latest endeavor.
“I’m not at all surprised that Meghan is exploring this new avenue to generate income,” Harrold remarked. “Retreats like these attract significant attendance, and with Meghan as the event’s prominent figure, it’s certain to bring in substantial profits.”
“I wasn’t surprised to hear about Meghan exploring this as a new way to generate income,” Harrold said.
“People pay a lot of money to attend these retreats, and with Meghan [as] the face of the event, they are sure to generate a decent profit,” he continued.
While standard tickets are going for $2,699 a person, an extra $500 will get attendees special experiences, including a photo-op with the Duchess of Sussex.
According to the podcast’s website, the VIP package includes a “Group table photo with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.”
VIPs will also get an exclusive VIP goodie bag and their own premium hotel room at the luxe InterContinental Coogee Beach resort.
All attendees will enjoy two nights at the seaside accommodations and have access to all activities on the itinerary, including the intimate conversation with Markle.
There will also be a gala dinner, a session with therapist Dr. Justine Corry, a meditation and manifestation session with podcast co-host Gemma O’Neill, a yoga session, a sound healing experience, breakfast each morning, a Saturday lunch and a dinner and disco — with alcohol included.
“This is your chance to step away from everyday life and spend a weekend focusing on connection, growth, joy and celebration,” the website boasts.
According to the royal expert, Markle’s decision to host the wellness retreat “does align with her brand.”
“If you think back to Princess Diana, [she] was very involved in wellness but always kept that side of her life quite private,” Harrold said. “The royal family tends to be into health and wellness, but always behind closed doors. It is not something a royal would publicly engage in.
However, Markle has “made a name for herself in the lifestyle space with her As Ever brand and now-canceled Netflix cooking show, “With Love, Meghan,” as well as her blog, The Tig, which she launched before meeting Prince Harry.
“This does feel like a good fit,” Harrold said.
As for how the royal family feels about Markle’s participation in the retreat, Harrold feels like the former “Suits” actress “earned the right” to make her own income after she and the Duke of Sussex stepped down from their senior royal duties in 2020.
“I don’t think the King or other members of the Royal Family will take issue with this at all,” Harrold said. “I think they are happy for her to focus on lifestyle and wellness as her future career. And being honest, I’m sure they would much rather Meghan made money from this than a tell-all book or yet another TV interview.”
The British etiquette expert pointed out that Zara Tindall, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have all found ways to make their own money outside of royal responsibilities.
“Personally, I don’t see this as a problem,” he said. “We live in a modern world and the family must adapt. With Prince William wanting to move towards a Royal Family with a lower case ‘r’, they will have to accept that members of their extended family will need to come up with other ways to earn cash.”
As for whether Harry had to clear things with his royal family members, Harrold believes the “Spare” author gave his dad a heads-up.
“While Meghan doesn’t technically need royal permission to do this type of event, I think Harry probably discussed it with his father,” Harrold said. “He’s really trying to mend relations with his dad at the moment, and I understand they are in regular contact. So I believe Harry probably flagged the idea to the King prior to the public announcement.”
Markle, 44, and Harry, 41, are in Australia this week, with the retreat taking place on Friday, April 17 to Sunday, April 19.