Robert Irwin Reportedly Turned Down Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Australian Zoo Visit Over His Close Ties to Prince William

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly faced an unexpected rejection during their Australian tour after conservationist Robert Irwin allegedly declined an opportunity to meet them. According to reports, the decision was linked to Robert’s growing friendship with Prince William and his family’s longstanding connections with the Royal Family.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were reportedly hoping to visit Australia Zoo in Queensland during their four-day trip in April 2026.

However, according to RadarOnline.com, their proposed meeting with the 22-year-old conservationist did not go ahead.

Prince William and Robert Irwin during an engagement in Cape Town in 2024. Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Harry and Meghan Reportedly Rebuffed During Australian Visit

RadarOnline.com claimed that Harry and Meghan had hoped to spend time with Robert and his family at Australia Zoo.

However, the outlet reported that Robert declined the proposed visit because of his relationship with Prince William.

The Irwin family were described by sources as strong supporters of the monarchy who did not want a high-profile meeting with the Sussexes to create difficulties with William.

Robert, the son of the late wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin, has continued his family’s work protecting wildlife and raising awareness about conservation.

Despite the reported rejection, sources also suggested that the Irwins held no personal ill will towards Harry or Meghan.

Another explanation given was that arranging a meeting simply had not been possible during the Sussexes’ short Australian visit.

There has been no public confirmation from Robert that he declined the meeting because of royal family loyalties.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during a visit to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne. Photo: William West/Getty Images

Robert Irwin’s Friendship With Prince William

Robert has developed a connection with Prince William through their shared interest in environmental conservation.

In 2024, he travelled to South Africa to support William’s Earthshot Prize initiative as a global ambassador.

The environmental award aims to encourage solutions to major challenges facing the planet.

Speaking to People, Robert praised the scale of the project and William’s commitment to using his position to support conservation.

He described Earthshot as hugely important for wildlife protection and climate action, expressing admiration for the Prince’s willingness to devote his influence and resources to environmental causes.

Their involvement in the initiative has brought them together at several public engagements.

According to RadarOnline.com, that relationship may have influenced the reported decision not to arrange a meeting with Harry and Meghan.

However, the suggestion remains unconfirmed.

King Charles Has Also Met the Irwin Family

Robert’s relationship with William is not the family’s only connection to the British monarchy.

In 2018, King Charles, then Prince of Wales, met members of the Irwin family during a visit to Australia.

Charles spent time with Terri, Robert and Bindi Irwin on Lady Elliot Island, near Queensland.

The visit focused on marine conservation and protecting coral reefs.

During the engagement, the Irwins showed Charles baby sea turtles before participating in discussions about marine life and coral resilience.

The meeting reflected the family’s longstanding involvement in environmental protection and their shared conservation interests with Charles.

King Charles met members of the Irwin family during his 2018 Australian visit. Photo: Pool/Getty Images

Did Robert Irwin Choose Sides in the Royal Family Rift?

The reported incident has raised questions about whether Robert’s relationship with William played a part in the Sussexes’ unsuccessful attempt to arrange a visit.

However, the available accounts offer different explanations.

While one report suggested that Robert wanted to protect his friendship with William, another indicated that the meeting was simply impossible to arrange during Harry and Meghan’s limited time in Australia.

There is no confirmed evidence that Robert deliberately chose sides in the continuing estrangement between the royal brothers.

What is clear is that the Irwin family has established connections with both King Charles and Prince William through their shared dedication to wildlife conservation.

Whether those relationships influenced the reported decision involving Harry and Meghan remains a matter of speculation.