Harry and Meghan join Aboriginal walking tour in Melbourne

Harry and Meghan join Aboriginal walking tour in Melbourne

On the third day of their visit to Australia, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex immersed themselves in the history and culture of First Nations Australians in Melbourne. Their itinerary included participating in the Scar Tree Walk, an Aboriginal-led cultural tour that explored significant heritage sites within the city. Guided by Indigenous leaders, the couple strolled along the Birrarung, the traditional name for Melbourne’s Yarra River, gaining insight into the area’s cultural landscape.

Although no longer serving as working members of the royal family, Prince Harry and Meghan are undertaking this Australian trip privately, blending philanthropic engagements with commercial activities. Their tour commenced at the Koorie Heritage Trust located in Federation Square, where they were given the opportunity to handle a Marngrook—a possum fur ball traditionally used in Aboriginal games and considered by some as the origin of the oval ball used in Australian Rules Football (AFL). This connection to AFL was deepened by Prince Harry’s earlier participation in a football session with AFL players.

Tom Mosby, CEO of the Koorie Heritage Trust, emphasized the meaningful nature of the visit, highlighting the importance of understanding what underlies the modern city. He explained, “Melbourne is a contemporary urban place but at the same time there is still a very strong connection by the Aboriginal people to this traditional country.” The couple also expressed interest in Victoria’s Treaty process, which gained national attention last year when the state passed Australia’s first formal treaty with Indigenous peoples in 2025.

During the walk, several local residents and visitors encountered the couple, sharing warm reactions. Sofia Rocha, a visitor from Brazil, described meeting Harry and Meghan as “so nice” and called them “the most gorgeous couple.” Locals like Narelle Zagami and Vita Benic expressed their admiration for the pair, with Zagami defending their private ventures during the trip, stating, “They’ve got to make a living as well. It’s part of their life now, this sort of thing, so I think it’s good.” Meanwhile, Benic reflected on the family’s embodiment of strong family values, recalling her own experience meeting members of the royal family during their 1983 visit

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