Why the Australian royal tour will be a 'baptism of fire' for Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle has faced plenty of tests in her first 100 days as a Royal Family member - but one expert thinks her upcoming trip to Australia will be a true “baptism of fire”.

In October, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will embark on a royal tour of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga, spanning two and a half weeks.

During their time Down Under, the royal newlyweds will open the Sydney Invictus Games - the international sporting event for injured and sick soldiers that Harry co-created.

The visit will be Meghan’s first major international tour, and Dickie Arbiter, the Queen’s former spokesperson, says it will prove a “litmus test” for the freshly-minted Duchess.

“They will have a very demanding schedule and the Duchess will have to get used to local customs with the eyes of the world on her.” 

Of course, Meghan, 37, is no stranger to the Invictus Games, having accompanied Harry to the event in Toronto, Canada last year in their first public appearance as a couple.

RELATED: How Meghan won over Prince George and Princess Charlotte

However, Arbiter believes her new marital status makes all the difference this time around.

“[In Toronto] she was Harry’s girlfriend. Now she is his wife there will be much more expectation,” he explains.

It seems the weight of the Australian royal tour and the various engagements it will encompass hasn’t been lost on the former actress.