Steve Irwin's family refused to see Harry & Meghan in Australia
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were snubbed by the Irwins on their recent tour of Australia due to the family’s allegiance to Prince William, according to new claims.
Wonderwall.com can reveal the Sussexes hoped to spend some time with conservationist Robert Irwin, 22, and his family at Australia Zoo in Queensland during what critics have dubbed their “fake royal tour.”
The Irwins are ‘fiercely loyal to The Firm’
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry hoped to meet the Irwins at Australia Zoo during their time down under. By: MEGA
But Harry and Meghan were reportedly rebuffed by the family — whose patriarch, “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin, tragically died following a stingray attack in 2006 — because the Irwins are “staunch monarchists and fiercely loyal to The Firm” and didn’t want to upset William.
The Irwins have joined the royal family for a number of official engagements over the past decade, including with King Charles III — then the Prince of Wales — in 2018.
Most recently, Robert flew to South Africa to support William as an ambassador for The Earthshot Prize in 2024.
But according to New Idea, while the Irwins have “no ill-will” towards the Sussexes, they weren’t open to meeting with Meghan and Harry on their four-day tour of Australia earlier in April.
Robert Irwin ‘didn’t want to upset William’
Robert Irwin and Prince William are allied via their charity connections. By: MEGA
“Aligning with the Irwins’ worthy causes is something that Meghan and Harry could be on board with,” a source said.
“It just wasn’t possible,” the insider added.
The snub comes after Meghan, 44, faced backlash from furious fans who claim they paid thousands to spend time with her at a luxury wellness retreat only for the duchess to make a shockingly brief appearance.
Meghan faces backlash over 30-minute appearance
Some guests demanded refunds for the event, which they called misleading. By: MEGA
RadarOnline.com previously reported that attendees at the Sydney-based Her Best Life retreat allege she stayed as little as 30 minutes, sparking complaints, confusion and refund demands.
Complaints began surfacing almost immediately from guests at the InterContinental Coogee Beach Hotel, where the retreat was held as part of a multi-day wellness experience.
“Front desk complaints already coming in. … People paid thousands for a girls’ weekend with Meghan, not a short two-hour appearance. This is misleading marketing,” one source claimed.
“Organizers owe answers, and I know some girls are asking for refunds,” the insider added.
Guests left ‘furious’ and ‘confused’
The retreat reportedly failed to sell out its 300 available spots. By: MEGA
“A friend of mine is absolutely furious. … She paid all that money and was promised a whole weekend full of fun, food, drinks and activities — only to find out Meghan stayed 30 minutes,” a second source said.
The guest was reportedly left “confused as to what was happening,” with expectations of far more access to the duchess throughout the weekend.
Another source claimed Meghan made a swift exit from the venue shortly after arriving, adding to the frustration among attendees.
“Meghan just departed the InterContinental Coogee Beach en route to Allianz Stadium, accompanied by security,” the onlooker wrote. “Many women are not happy!”
