Breathtaking new rock bottom for Meghan Markle – as the $1million REAL reason for their visit Down Under is revealed: ‘Even I’m shocked’

Meghan Markle will appear as a guest speaker at an exclusive women’s retreat in Sydney next month as she and Prince Harry prepare to return to Australia for the first time since their 2018 royal tour.

The Duchess of Sussex has been announced as the headline guest at the inaugural ‘Her Best Life Retreat’, a three-day event organised by the events company Besties, founded by radio host Jackie O Henderson and her close friend Gemma O’Neill. 

The retreat will be held at the InterContinental Hotel at Coogee Beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs and will bring together around 300 women for a weekend focused on connection, wellbeing and personal development. 

The April 17–19 event will be capped at 300 guests and is on track to bring in nearly $1million in ticket revenue.

Ms O’Neill said ‘there’s no one more shocked than me’ that Meghan, 44, would headline the event and host a Q&A session for guests. 

Those who purchase VIP tickets for $3,199 will be privy to a ‘group table photo’ with the Duchess and seats in the front two rows for the ‘gala dinner’. VIPs will also enjoy an exclusive goodie bag and a premium ocean-view hotel room. 

‘I have admired this woman and what she has endured, how she’s risen above it, and how she has demonstrated that a woman can be pushed down and she can still rise,’ Ms O’Neill said as she announced the event this week. 

‘I know what you’re all thinking because I’m thinking the same thing. How has this incredible woman gone from Oprah to talking on stage with little old me?’

The Duchess of Sussex has been announced as the headline guest at the inaugural ‘Her Best Life Retreat’ to be held in Sydney’s eastern suburbs in April

Those who purchase VIP tickets for $3,199 will be privy to a ‘group table photo’ with the Duchess and seats in the front two rows for the ‘gala dinner’

Meghan Markle will appear as a guest speaker at an exclusive women’s retreat in Sydney next month as she and Prince Harry prepare to return to Australia (pictured in Sydney in 2018)

‘Early bird’ tickets to the retreat with Meghan start at $2,699, while the VIP experience costs $3,199 per person. 

Guests will also attend a session with psychologist Dr Justine Corry, a meditation and manifestation workshop with Ms O’Neill, yoga, sound healing, time by the pool overlooking Coogee Beach and a dinner-and-disco celebration.

‘Join us for an intimate luxury weekend by the ocean designed to bring women together for powerful conversations, relaxation, laughter and unforgettable experiences,’ the event website states.  

‘The highlight of the weekend will be an in-person conversation and gala dinner with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. An intimate gala like no other. 

‘This is your chance to step away from everyday life and spend a weekend focusing on connection, growth, joy and celebration.

‘Come by yourself, come with your best friend, or bring a whole group of your favourite women.’

It comes after it was announced this week that Meghan would split from Netflix and will take complete control of her As Ever jam brand.

The abrupt split comes just two months after the streaming giant axed With Love, Meghan, which ran for only two seasons.

Gemma O’Neill, who founded the events company Besties with Jackie ‘O’ Henderson, said ‘there’s no one more shocked than me’ that Meghan would headline her event

In 2023, Besties landed Gwyneth Paltrow (centre) as a speaker to launch the business, with the Hollywood A-Lister flying to Sydney in October (Henderson is pictured left, O’Neill right)

The Christmas special attracted scathing reviews from critics, who accused Meghan of being ‘out of touch’ in the ‘tectonically tacky’ show.

A spokesman for As Ever confirmed to the Daily Mail: ‘As Ever is grateful for Netflix’s partnership through launch and our first year.

‘We have experienced meaningful and rapid growth and As Ever is now ready to stand on its own. We have an exciting year ahead and can’t wait to share more.’

Fans of the ‘Her Best Life’ podcast responded enthusiastically to the news on Instagram, with comments swiftly ‘limited’ on the announcement post. 

‘Registering interest right now. Cannot wait for the ultimate girls’ weekend,’ one said. 

‘Incredible!!! But also… as she should – perfect fit!’ another gushed. 

In 2023, Besties landed Gwyneth Paltrow as a speaker to launch the business, with the Hollywood A-lister flying to Sydney in October. 

Tickets for the intimate ‘besties with Gwyneth Paltrow’ event at the Aware Super Theatre began at just $100. But those who wanted to get up close and personal with the Oscar winner could pay $2,500 for a ‘VIP’ experience.

‘For $2,500 you’ll get a photo with her and you’ll be at the cocktail party with us,’ Henderson explained at the time. 

It’s understood Paltrow pocketed a fee between $150,000 and $500,000.