Supporters of Meghan Markle are being encouraged to spend significantly more money if they hope to capture a personal photo with the Duchess during her upcoming appearance at the Her Best Life retreat. However, not everyone is convinced the premium price is justified, especially after others recently managed to snap pictures with her for free.

The contrast has not gone unnoticed. Only a day earlier, members of the public in Melbourne were able to approach both Meghan and Prince Harry during their visit to the Scar Tree Walk and take spontaneous selfies at no cost. The atmosphere there was relaxed and informal, with the couple appearing approachable and open to brief interactions. Some attendees described it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that felt surprisingly accessible, given the couple’s global fame.

In stark contrast, guests attending the Her Best Life retreat in Sydney are facing a far more structured — and expensive — experience. Meghan, now 44, is scheduled to appear at the exclusive women-focused event on Friday evening. The retreat is being hosted at the luxurious five-star InterContinental Hotel in Coogee and organized by entrepreneur Gemma O’Neill through her Besties brand, which focuses on community-building and personal development among women.

The event itself is marketed as a “luxury” weekend getaway, combining wellness, networking, and inspirational talks. Standard admission is priced at $2,699, which includes two nights’ accommodation in a shared hotel room, curated meals and drinks, access to wellness sessions such as yoga and meditation, and the highlight: an in-person conversation with Meghan during a gala dinner. Organizers have emphasized that the experience is designed to foster personal growth and meaningful connections, rather than simply serve as a celebrity meet-and-greet.

Still, for many fans, the real draw remains the chance to see Meghan up close — and ideally, to take home a photo as proof of the encounter. That’s where additional costs come in.

Those opting for the higher-tier “VIP experience,” priced at $3,199, are granted a more exclusive package. This includes a private hotel room and a group photo opportunity with Meghan. While the idea of a shared photo might appeal to some, others have questioned whether it truly delivers the level of intimacy implied by the price tag.

Adding to the controversy, attendees who initially purchased standard tickets were later given the option to upgrade their experience. For an additional $330, they could secure access to the same group photo opportunity with the Duchess. While this upsell may seem relatively modest compared to the overall ticket price, it has nevertheless sparked frustration among some participants.

On social media, reactions have been mixed — and at times sharply critical. Some users pointed out the irony that people attending a high-end retreat must pay extra for a group photo, while others managed to take individual selfies with Meghan and Harry in a completely informal setting just days earlier.

One commenter questioned whether retreat attendees might feel shortchanged, suggesting it would be frustrating to spend thousands of dollars only to receive a group photo, while others casually approached the couple in public and got more personal interactions for free. Another user went further, labeling the event a potential “cash grab” and arguing that fans were being persuaded to spend large sums under the promise of a unique experience.

Yet not everyone agrees with that criticism. Supporters of the retreat argue that the pricing reflects far more than just a photo opportunity. The cost covers accommodation, meals, organized activities, and access to other speakers and experiences throughout the weekend. From this perspective, Meghan’s appearance is just one element of a broader, curated event.

Some have also defended the idea that people should be free to spend their money however they choose. For those who admire Meghan or feel inspired by her work, the opportunity to hear her speak in an intimate setting may hold genuine value. One observer noted that similar events featuring high-profile figures often command comparable prices, suggesting that the retreat is not unusual within the luxury wellness market.

Indeed, comparisons have been drawn to previous events organized by the same company. In 2023, Besties hosted an event featuring actress Gwyneth Paltrow, where VIP packages reportedly reached up to $2,500 and included photo opportunities. At the time, those prices also generated discussion, yet the event ultimately attracted strong attendance.

Meanwhile, Meghan’s schedule during her time in Australia appears tightly packed. In addition to her retreat appearance, she and Prince Harry are expected to attend a Super Rugby match at Allianz Stadium later that evening. The timing has raised further questions about how long she will actually spend at the retreat, with some wondering whether her participation will feel brief relative to the expectations set by the event’s promotional materials.

This has led to broader debate about value for money. Some prospective attendees have expressed curiosity — and even concern — about whether the experience will meet their expectations, particularly given the premium pricing and the limited nature of direct interaction with Meghan.

At the same time, the retreat maintains a strict policy designed to preserve a sense of privacy and exclusivity. During Meghan’s on-stage conversation, guests are not permitted to use their phones or record any part of the session. Organizers say this rule is intended to encourage attendees to be fully present and engaged, though it also means that personal documentation of the experience will be limited.

Gemma O’Neill, the founder behind the Besties brand, has spoken enthusiastically about Meghan’s involvement. She emphasized that the Duchess’s participation is rooted in genuine alignment with the retreat’s mission. According to O’Neill, the event is centered on empowering women to grow, support one another, and strive toward becoming the best versions of themselves.

She also suggested that Meghan’s decision to take part reflects a shared belief in these values, rather than purely a commercial arrangement. For O’Neill and her team, the retreat represents an opportunity to bring together a community of like-minded women in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Whether attendees ultimately feel the experience lives up to its promise remains to be seen. For some, the chance to spend even a short amount of time in the same room as Meghan Markle will be worth the cost. For others, especially those comparing it to the free and spontaneous encounters in Melbourne, the pricing may continue to raise eyebrows.

What is clear, however, is that the event has sparked a wider conversation about celebrity access, perceived value, and the growing market for high-end wellness experiences. As more public figures participate in curated, ticketed events like this, the line between inspiration and exclusivity — and between connection and commerce — is likely to remain a topic of debate.