Next month, Meghan Markle is set to appear as a guest speaker at a prestigious women’s retreat in Sydney. This marks her and Prince Harry’s first visit to Australia since their royal tour in 2018.

The Duchess of Sussex has been named the star guest at the first-ever ‘Her Best Life Retreat.’ This three-day event is organized by Besties, an events company created by radio personality Jackie O Henderson and her friend Gemma O’Neill.

Taking place at Sydney’s InterContinental Hotel in the picturesque Coogee Beach area, the retreat aims to gather approximately 300 women for a weekend dedicated to fostering connection, enhancing wellbeing, and encouraging personal growth.

The event, scheduled for April 17–19, is expected to draw around 300 attendees and generate close to $1 million in ticket sales.

Gemma O’Neill expressed her surprise, saying, “There’s no one more shocked than me” about Meghan, 44, being the headliner and hosting a Q&A session for the participants.

Attendees opting for VIP tickets, priced at $3,199, will receive perks such as a group photo with the Duchess, front-row seating at the gala dinner, an exclusive goodie bag, and a luxurious 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.