Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, says she has lived ‘very hard’ life in public eye at event in Sydney

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex greet members of the public at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Sydney. The Duke and Duchess are on a four-day visit to Australia, with engagements across Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney. Photo / Getty Images

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex said she has lived a “very hard” life in the public eye as she addressed paying guests at an exclusive Sydney event where tickets reportedly reached $3900 for access.

The 44-year-old spoke during a women-only “ultimate girls’ weekend” retreat organised by Gemma O’Neill’s Besties company and hosted by broadcaster Jackie “O” Henderson at the InterContinental Coogee during the final day of her and her husband Prince Harry’s visit to Australia.

The gala – attended by around 300 guests – followed a day of public engagements, including meeting survivors of the Bondi terrorist attack and promoting Invictus Australia.

Meghan’s appearance, which lasted around two hours, was reported to be worth up to $300,000.

Meghan and Prince Harry pose for a selfie with first responders from Bondi Surf Bathers' Life Saving Club. Photo / Getty Images

She said: “I have had amazing moments,” referring to her relationship with Harry, including marriage and having two children, Archie and Lilibet, but added she had also “endured” attacks for a decade.

Meghan added her children are her “inspiration” and described criticism of her as “projections”.

She added becoming a parent had taught her patience, which she said was important “given what our life is like”.

Harry, 41, who was among the few men present, reportedly gave Meghan a standing ovation before helping her on to the stage.

He then took a seat in the front row.

Guests at the dinner – where dishes included kingfish, beef tenderloin and coconut crumble – were subject to strict security, including bag searches and body scans, and were informed of a “no recording policy for the duration of her interview”, described as a “non-negotiable security requirement”.

The event, dubbed “Megstock” in reports by the Sydney Daily Telegraph, also offered a “VIP experience” for an additional fee, including a photograph with Meghan.

After the appearance, Meghan and Harry departed the venue shortly after 7pm.

Earlier in the day, the couple met survivors of the Bondi terrorist attack, including Jessica Chapnik Kahn, who described the encounter as an “honour”.

She said: “The greater problem in the world right now is hate. Hate is a human problem that we’re facing, a very big problem.”

Meghan and Harry also attended an event with Invictus Australia, meeting participants and sailing on Sydney Harbour.

- BANG Showbiz