But while crowds of well-wishers and a heavy security detail swarmed the beach, one unbothered Aussie stole the show. As the couple made their way across the iconic shoreline to meet first responders and community leaders, they were forced to navigate around a local woman who appeared completely uninterested in the royal spectacle. Donning a while tank top and shorts while stretched out on her beach towel, the brown-haired woman continued to read her book, making no attempt to get out of the way or acknowledge the VIP guests.
The encounter has since gone viral online. One post captioned “Bondi beachgoer gives zero f****” has attracted hundreds of Reddit comments, with many hailing her as an “unbothered queen”.
“This is peak Bondi attitude from everyone,” one commented, while a second wrote: “Oh, give her a medal!”
Many defended the beachgoer’s decision not to move, saying she was there first. One wrote: “The beach is public, she can lie around wherever she wants”.
“Whoever planned this event is the one who should’ve been more aware than just having a group of people walk around on a beach and literally walking over other people with no warning.”
Another spoke of the difference in today’s attitudes towards royals compared to previous decades: “This is 2026, not everyone is going to worship the royals like it was 20 years ago. Expect to see a lot of people like her.”
Harry and Meghan spent the morning at the Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club, where they met with survivors Jessica Chapnik Khan and Elon Zizer, both of whom heroically shielded their children during the December mass shooting. Meghan was seen appearing to fight back tears as she heard the harrowing accounts of those affected by the tragedy, which claimed 15 lives.
Harry and Meghan later enjoyed a sailing trip around Sydney Harbour, briefly attended a women’s retreat headlined by the duchess, and ended their four-day whirlwind Australian tour with a night out at the rugby at Allianz Stadium.
Since returning to California, the couple have been criticised for using their Australian tour to make money this week. Meghan has been slammed for reportedly earning money from an online shopping platform built around the outfits she wore on charitable engagements.
For example, on their final day in Australia, Meghan stepped out at the women-only Her Best Life retreat, where she spent just a few hours with female fans, who paid up to £1,700 to ask her questions and pose for pictures. This engagement alone could reportedly see Meghan receive up to £130,000 just for turning up.