Meghan Markle joked that Prince Harry would wear Australian-themed underwear during a future vow renewal ceremony after receiving the garment as a gift [1].
The lighthearted comment highlights the Duchess's attempt to engage with local Australian culture through humor while visiting the region. It also provides a rare glimpse into the couple's personal dynamic during their public appearances outside the UK.
The exchange occurred during a trip to Australia in May 2024 [2]. While filming for a YouTube programme in Sydney, the Duchess was presented with several gifts on Sydney Harbour from YouTubers Sean and Marley [1, 3]. Among the items was a pair of "Budgy Smugglers," a cheeky style of Australian-themed swimwear [1, 4].
In response to the gift, the Duchess suggested that Prince Harry would wear the attire for a renewal of their wedding vows [1, 2]. The couple originally married on May 19, 2018 [1].
Andrew Eborn of Sky News Australia described the interaction, noting that after she was given the Budgy Smugglers, she said, "well, I’ll get Prince Harry to renew the vows in those" [1].
At the time of the comments, the Duchess was 44 and Prince Harry was 41 [3, 4]. The gift-giving segment was part of a broader series of interactions with local content creators during the Sydney visit [1].
“"I’ll get Prince Harry to renew the vows in those."”
This interaction reflects a strategic shift toward more informal, digitally-native engagement for the Sussexes. By participating in YouTube-driven content and employing self-deprecating humor regarding royal tradition, the couple continues to distance themselves from the formal constraints of the British monarchy in favor of a more relatable, global celebrity persona.
