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. 

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

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)

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

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.’

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

In 2023, Besties landed Gwyneth Paltrow as a speaker to launch the business, with the Hollywood A-Lister flying to Sydney for the event. 

Tickets for the intimate ‘besties with Gwyneth Paltrow’ event at the Aware Super Theatre started 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. 

It comes after it was announced Meghan would split with Netflix and will take complete control of As Ever jam brand. 

More to come.