WE’RE STILL GOING AHEAD - SAYS MEGHAN’S EVENT ORGANISER AMID $500,000 AGENCY COLLAPSE. (PHOTO).

 We’re still going ahead - Says Meghan’s event organiser amid $500,000 agency collapse

PR troubles hit Aussie retreat organiser ahead of Meghan Markle appearance

Gemma O’Neill faces financial storm as Duchess of Sussex’s Sydney VIP event approaches

“All of my dealings with Meghan’s team have been so lovely,” says O’Neill amid liquidation woes

Meghan to headline Sydney girls’ weekend, PR agency in voluntary liquidation

The woman behind Meghan Markle’s upcoming Australian retreat is navigating a major financial setback.

Gemma O’Neill, 38, has been promoting a luxury “ultimate girls’ weekend” in Sydney, where VIP guests will pay £1,705 each for a three-day experience including a dinner and photo opportunity with the Duchess of Sussex. The event, organised by Besties Australia Pty Ltd, the company O’Neill runs with radio host Jackie “O” Henderson, is set for April 17 to 19 and will coincide with Meghan and Prince Harry’s trip Down Under.

However, O’Neill’s talent agency, Gemmie Agency, went into voluntary liquidation in November after accumulating more than $543,000 in debt to the Australian Taxation Office. 

Another $3,300 is owed to a small accounting firm, while O’Neill reports having no personal savings and a limited income, making repayment impossible. 

Administrators from Grant Thornton Australia were appointed to oversee the process, and O’Neill is expected to respond to their report by March 17.

The creditors’ statement highlighted that the debts stand in contrast to a seven‑figure commission paid by a key client between October 2023 and March 2024. 

Meanwhile, O’Neill and Jackie O continue to push forward with the retreat, which promises up to 300 guests a chance to hear Meghan speak on stage, enjoy a gala dinner, and receive VIP gift bags.

Gemma credited Markus Anderson, a close friend of hers and someone often called the “third wheel” in Meghan and Harry’s marriage, for suggesting Meghan as the guest of honour. 

“He’s the bee’s knees and a top-notch human,” O’Neill said, adding that she agreed despite initial hesitation because Markus “wouldn’t be so close with someone who wasn’t also the same.”

Although Meghan’s team has reportedly been “delightful” to work with, it remains unclear whether the Duchess will be compensated for her appearance. 

Tickets for the retreat cost around $3,000 per person and include a group photo with Meghan, as well as an interview on stage. 

The weekend will take place in a 5-star hotel in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, with gifts handed to attendees that may feature items from Meghan’s As Ever collection.

O’Neill’s agency woes come amid a turbulent time for Jackie O, whose public fallout with KIIS FM co-host Kyle Sandilands led to both hosts being taken off the air and their $100 million contracts ending. 

Despite this, O’Neill and Jackie are pressing ahead with their venture, determined to host what they describe as an unforgettable weekend for attendees.