Meghan Markle is facing renewed criticism following reports about her appearance at a high-end wellness retreat held in Sydney, where some attendees say the experience fell short of what was promised in promotional materials, particularly in relation to her involvement in the event.

The retreat, branded as an exclusive lifestyle and wellness weekend titled “Her Best Life,” was hosted at the InterContinental Coogee Beach Hotel and marketed as a premium experience combining wellness sessions, group activities, networking opportunities and a gala dinner featuring a special guest appearance by the Duchess.

Tickets for the event were reportedly priced in the thousands, with general packages starting at around $1,930 and higher-tier VIP options offering additional perks such as priority seating, enhanced access during Q&A sessions and a group photograph opportunity with Meghan. Organisers promoted the weekend as an “ultimate girls’ experience,” positioning it as a rare opportunity for attendees to engage with the Duchess in an intimate, inspirational setting.

However, following the event, criticism emerged online and in media reports alleging that Meghan’s participation was significantly more limited than some guests had expected.

According to reports circulating in entertainment media outlets, several attendees expressed disappointment that the Duchess appeared at the retreat for only a brief period, primarily during the gala dinner segment, rather than participating in the broader schedule of weekend activities.

One unnamed source quoted in coverage claimed that complaints began shortly after guests realised the extent of her involvement. The source suggested that expectations had been set for more sustained interaction throughout the weekend, with attendees anticipating multiple appearances or informal engagement across various sessions.

“Front desk complaints already coming in,” the source reportedly said, adding that some attendees felt misled by the promotional framing of the event. They also suggested that guests believed they had paid for a weekend centred around Meghan’s presence, rather than a limited appearance.

Another alleged attendee described frustration over what they believed was a mismatch between the event’s marketing and the actual experience. The guest reportedly said they had expected “a whole weekend full of fun, food, drinks, and activities,” only to discover that Meghan’s appearance was brief.

The same account suggested confusion among attendees about the structure of the weekend and the extent to which the Duchess would be involved in scheduled programming. Some guests reportedly expressed disappointment that the most anticipated aspect of the event — direct engagement with Meghan — was more limited than expected.

An observer at the venue also claimed that Meghan’s appearance was short-lived, stating that she arrived with security, attended portions of the event and then departed relatively soon after. According to this account, she left the InterContinental Coogee Beach Hotel and was seen heading toward another engagement at Allianz Stadium Sydney.

The same observer suggested that her departure contributed to dissatisfaction among some attendees, who had hoped for a longer presence throughout the evening. However, other reports indicated that Meghan remained for part of the gala dinner and participated in scheduled formal elements of the event, including a speaking segment and group interactions.

Despite the differing accounts, the central criticism from disappointed attendees focuses on the perceived gap between expectations created by the event’s branding and the actual level of access to the Duchess during the weekend.

The controversy has also raised broader questions about celebrity-led wellness events and the way such experiences are marketed, particularly when high-profile figures are promoted as headline attractions.

Supporters of Meghan have argued in response that celebrity appearances at large-scale events are often time-limited due to scheduling constraints, security considerations and multiple professional commitments. They also suggest that promotional materials typically highlight a guest’s involvement without guaranteeing extended personal interaction throughout an entire event.

From this perspective, Meghan’s role at the retreat would be consistent with standard practice for high-profile guest appearances, where a central keynote or featured segment is included without implying full-time participation across all activities.

However, critics argue that the pricing of the packages — particularly VIP tiers — may have led some attendees to expect more substantial engagement. They claim that when customers pay premium prices, there is an implied expectation of meaningful access to headline guests beyond brief appearances.

The differing interpretations have fuelled debate online, where discussions about value, transparency and marketing expectations have become central to the controversy.

Some social media users defended Meghan, stating that wellness retreats often feature structured schedules where headline guests appear only at designated times. Others echoed the frustration of attendees, arguing that promotional language should clearly define the extent of celebrity involvement to avoid misunderstandings.

The event itself was structured around a series of wellness-focused activities, including panel discussions, guided sessions and networking opportunities. The gala dinner, where Meghan reportedly made her main appearance, was positioned as the highlight of the weekend and included a speaking segment and photo opportunity.

Organisers of the retreat have not publicly responded in detail to the specific allegations about attendee dissatisfaction or refund requests. However, events of this nature typically include terms and conditions outlining that guest appearances are subject to change due to scheduling or logistical requirements.

The debate surrounding the Sydney retreat comes at a time when Meghan continues to develop her public profile through lifestyle and media ventures following her departure from official royal duties alongside Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.

In recent years, the couple have focused on independent projects in the United States, including charitable initiatives, production work and lifestyle branding, while also making selective appearances at international events linked to mental health, wellness and humanitarian issues.

Despite this, both remain highly scrutinised figures in global media, with their public engagements frequently attracting intense commentary and polarised reactions.

The latest controversy highlights how appearances tied to commercial or semi-commercial events can quickly become the subject of broader debate, particularly when expectations among attendees differ from the actual structure of the experience.

While some guests have reportedly expressed disappointment and sought refunds, others have defended the event format and noted that celebrity participation in such settings is typically limited by design.

As discussions continue, the Sydney retreat has become another example of how high-profile appearances by public figures can generate contrasting narratives — shaped as much by expectation and perception as by the actual events that took place on the day.