Harry and Meghan join Aboriginal walking tour in Melbourne
Harry and Meghan Join Aboriginal Walking Tour in Melbourne
On the third day of their Australia trip, Prince Harry and Meghan participated in a historical tour led by Indigenous guides, exploring Melbourne’s deep cultural heritage. The couple joined the Scar Tree Walk, a significant site for First Nations Australians, which traced the city’s origins along the Birrarung—known traditionally as the Yarra River. Their visit, undertaken as private individuals, combined engagements with local charities and business ventures.
During the walk, they handled a Marngrook, a ceremonial ball made of possum fur that is believed to have inspired the oval shape of the Australian Rules Football (AFL) ball. The previous day, Prince Harry had joined players from an AFL team for a demonstration of the sport, a move that Tom Mosby, CEO of the Koorie Heritage Trust, called a meaningful cultural link. “The fact that the Duke was at a football club yesterday, I think it’s a really great connection,” Mosby remarked to the BBC.
The tour included an art installation and insights into how the river and its surrounding areas were historically used for fishing and hunting by Aboriginal communities. Mosby emphasized that while Melbourne is a modern urban center, its connection to traditional lands remains strong. The couple also expressed interest in Victoria’s Treaty process, which recently established the state’s first formal agreement with Indigenous owners in 2025.
Encounters with Locals
Several residents and visitors had the chance to meet the couple during the walk. A Brazilian woman attending her sister’s wedding in Melbourne spotted them while running along the river and praised their charm. “It was so nice,” she said. “They are the most gorgeous couple.”
Narelle Zagami, a local, shared her admiration for the pair. “They’ve got to make a living as well,” she said, addressing criticism about their commercial activities. “It’s part of their life now, so I think it’s good.” Similarly, Vita Benic, who had met the couple during their 1983 visit as Prince Charles and Diana, expressed gratitude for their return. “I just wanted to let them know what wonderful people they are,” Benic said, presenting coloring books to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Recent Activities
Prince Harry addressed a report on fathers’ mental health on Wednesday, reflecting on his own experiences as a parent and advocating for children to embody an “upgrade” of their fathers. Meanwhile, Meghan filmed a segment for the new season of MasterChef Australia, set to appear as a guest judge on Sunday. Their last visit to Australia in 2018, shortly after their marriage, saw them welcomed by large crowds during public appearances, a contrast to their current private itinerary.
“They are the epitome of what a family should be,” Benic said.
“They’re just beautiful people,” Zagami added.
“The fact that the Duke yesterday was at a football club, I think it’s a really great connection,” Mosby told the BBC.
