Duke and Duchess of Sussex Explore Aboriginal Heritage in Melbourne
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan, immersed themselves in Indigenous culture during their recent visit to Melbourne. On Thursday, the couple embarked on the 'Scar Tree Walk', a culturally significant heritage experience led by local Aboriginal guides along the Birrarung, the traditional name for Melbourne's Yarra River.
Cultural Immersion and Understanding
Commencing at the Koorie Heritage Trust in Federation Square, the tour provided the couple with an opportunity to handle a Marngrook, a traditional possum fur ball believed to be the precursor to the oval-shaped ball used in Australian Rules Football (AFL). This resonated with Prince Harry's earlier engagement, where he participated in an AFL lesson with local players.
Tom Mosby, CEO of the Koorie Heritage Trust, highlighted the importance of the couple's interest, stating, "The fact that the Duke yesterday was at a football club, I think it's a really great connection." The tour also saw the couple observing an art installation and gaining insights into how the river and surrounding lands were historically utilised for fishing and hunting by traditional owners. Mosby emphasised that the tour aimed to reveal the deep-seated Indigenous connection that persists beneath Melbourne's modern urban facade.
Furthermore, the Duke and Duchess reportedly showed keen interest in Victoria's Treaty process, a landmark initiative where the state recently passed Australia's first formal treaty with traditional owners in 2025.
Public Engagement and Future Endeavours
As private citizens, the couple combined charitable engagements with commercial ventures during their Australian tour. Meghan filmed an episode for the new season of MasterChef Australia, scheduled to air on Sunday, where she will feature as a guest judge. Prince Harry, meanwhile, spoke at the launch of a report on fathers' mental health, sharing personal reflections on parenthood, and visited the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
The couple's last visit to Australia was in 2018, shortly after their marriage, which saw large crowds greeting them. Their current visit, while less formal, continues to draw public attention, with many locals expressing delight at the opportunity to meet them.
