Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could consider a return to the UK if their upcoming Australia trip proves successful, according to an insider. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are due to travel Down Under this month for a series of engagements, marking their first joint visit to the country since their 2018 royal tour shortly after their wedding.

That trip saw the couple greeted by large crowds and announce Meghan was pregnant with their son Prince Archie. This time, however, they will not be travelling as working members of the Royal Family following their departure from official duties. An insider told The Sun the tour could act as a test for future visits, including a possible return to Britain.

"It is a significant joint tour and could prove to be a blueprint for future tours together of this type," the source said.

Any return to the UK would depend heavily on the security arrangements in place. Harry has previously said he would not return without 24-hour police protection, which remains under review.

If resolved, it could open the door for the couple to attend events linked to the Invictus Games in Birmingham.

A spokesperson for the Sussexes confirmed details of the trip.

Theytold The Mirror: "Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will visit Australia to take part in a number of private, business and philanthropic engagements."

Meghan is expected to attend a women-only event in Sydney, while Harry will speak at a mental health conference in Melbourne. Their children will not be travelling with them.

The visit has sparked debate in Australia over security costs, with a petition calling for no taxpayer money to be used.

Responding to the criticism, a Sussex spokesperson said: "It's a moot point. The trip is being funded privately, so I'm not sure what this petition hopes to achieve."

Authorities in Australia confirmed preparations are underway. A New South Wales Police spokesperson said the force will "conduct an operation to ensure public safety is maintained during the visit by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex".

They added: "The operation will require some additional security measures throughout their stay in New South Wales, while minimising any disruption to the community."

Sources close to the couple also defended the purpose of the visit, insisting it is focused on charitable work.

"There is a lot of misinformation being spread about this trip - all designed to whip up hate. The truth is you have a couple heading down under for work. While they're in town, they're going to check in on some charitable causes that they have long supported and - in the Duke's case, with the Invictus Games - he set up," the source said.

"The couple are critically aware that by just visiting a charity, they can help shine a light on its work - bringing media attention that wouldn't otherwise exist. They don't have to do that.

"They could just as easily get paid and head straight back to California. It's an irrational reaction to s***-can a couple who just want to support some the charitable causes close to them. God forbid they try to do any good in a world that could, frankly, use a little more Harry and Meghan, and a little less sniping from 'Royal Commentators' who make a living by providing hate bait for anyone willing to platform them. It's sad. What a way to make a living."

The upcoming tour is now being closely watched as a potential indicator of whether the Sussexes could return to the UK for future engagements.