Exploring First Nations History in Melbourne
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex embarked on a cultural journey through the history of First Nations Australians in Melbourne on the third day of their visit to the country.
On Thursday, Prince Harry and Meghan participated in an Aboriginal walking tour known as the Scar Tree Walk, which offers an important cultural heritage experience within the city.
Guided by local Indigenous leaders, the couple walked along the Birrarung, the traditional name for Melbourne's Yarra River.
The couple, who are no longer active members of the royal family, are visiting Australia privately, combining engagements with charitable organizations and commercial activities.
The tour began at the Koorie Heritage Trust located in Melbourne's Federation Square, where the duke and duchess had the opportunity to handle a Marngrook.
A Marngrook is a traditional ball made of possum fur, believed to be the origin of the distinctive oval ball used in Australian Rules Football (AFL).
On the previous day, Prince Harry had joined players from an AFL team for a session learning the sport.
"The fact that the Duke yesterday was at a football club, I think it's a really great connection," Tom Mosby, CEO of the Koorie Heritage Trust, told the BBC.
During their walk, the former royals viewed an art installation and learned about how the river and surrounding lands were traditionally used for fishing and hunting by Indigenous peoples.
According to Mosby, the tour was designed to allow the couple to understand what lies beneath the city’s surface.
"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," Mosby said.
Mosby also noted that the couple showed considerable interest in Victoria's Treaty process, highlighting that Victoria recently passed Australia's first formal treaty with traditional owners in 2025.
Public Encounters and Local Reactions
Several local residents and visitors had the chance to meet the couple during the walk.
A Brazilian woman visiting Melbourne for her sister's wedding encountered the couple while running along the river.
"It was so nice," she said. "They are the most gorgeous couple."
Narelle Zagami, a local resident, attended to greet the visitors.
"It's very emotional. I love Harry. They are just beautiful people," Zagami said.
When asked about criticism regarding the couple earning income during their private trip, Zagami expressed disagreement.
"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," she said.
Similarly, Vita Benic, who had previously seen the then Prince of Wales and Diana, Princess of Wales, during their 1983 visit to Australia, made an effort to see Harry and Meghan.
Benic presented the couple with children’s colouring books intended for Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
"I just wanted to let them know what wonderful people they are," Benic said.
"They're the epitome of what a family should be," she added.
Previous Visits and Recent Engagements
Prince Harry and Meghan last visited Australia in 2018, a few months after their wedding.
During that trip, they spent approximately nine days in the country, attracting large crowds during their public appearances.
On Wednesday, Prince Harry spoke at the launch of a report focusing on fathers' mental health, sharing his personal experiences of parenthood.
He remarked that children should strive to be an "upgrade" of their fathers.
The former prince also visited the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
Meanwhile, Meghan filmed an episode for the new season of the popular Australian television show MasterChef Australia on Wednesday, where she will appear as a guest judge on Sunday.
