Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrived at Sydney Airport shortly after 7 a.m., but they will spend Monday relaxing before embarking on their 16-day trip.

A strong media and security presence greeted Prince Harry and Meghan at the airport.

Hundreds of people gathered outside the Governor-General’s residence in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the young royals. Just after 8 a.m., their motorcade arrived.

They’ll visit Australia, New Zealand, Tonga, and Fiji during the trip, which will be their second official travel since their May wedding.

The tour takes place in conjunction with the fourth Invictus Games, an international athletic tournament for wounded veterans and military personnel founded by Prince Harry in 2014.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian of New South Wales (NSW) welcomed the pair to Australia and described their visit as “exciting.”

Ms Berejiklian told Nine News, “I have to say it’s really, really a full packed visit, they will be doing so much here.”

“There are also a few surprises which I think everybody will love. But it’s really a visit with the people.”

The Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo, and Bondi Beach are among the places Prince Harry and Meghan will visit in the coming days. They’ll also go on day trips to Melbourne, Dubbo in drought-stricken NSW, and Fraser Island in Queensland.

They’ll spend the most of their time in Australia, where they’ll interact with Aussies and work on young leadership programs (Harry was just designated Commonwealth Youth Ambassador), as well as see the sites.

Prince Harry will also climb the Harbour Bridge on Friday to raise the Invictus Flag, which will mark the start of the fourth Invictus Games in Sydney, and will attend the opening and closing ceremonies on Saturday.

The journey will be the duke’s fourth visit to all four nations. The duchess has been to New Zealand as a visitor before.

The arrival of the royal family has reignited a long-running debate about whether Australia should become a republic. The country’s titular head of state is Queen Elizabeth II, although the populace has long been split on whether or not to break links with the British monarchy.

In essence, the monarchy issue has been postponed for now, and the public’s infatuation with the royals remains strong.

Bill Shorten, the leader of the opposition, has already stated that if his party wins power, the subject will be put to a referendum.