Organisers of Duchess of Sussex retreat confirm addition to speaker line-up




The organisers of a retreat featuring Meghan Markle in Australia have confirmed the latest addition to the speaker lineup.Gemma O’Neill, the talent manager behind radio presenter Jackie ‘O’ Henderson, has offered a glimpse inside the venue where she will host the gala dinner.The 42-year-old shared footage of the conference space at the InterContinental Hotel in Coogee, Sydney, which remains a building site ahead of the April event.”The actual space where we’re doing the gala dinner, and part of the gala dinner will be a Q&A with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, the room is actually quite small,” Ms O’Neill said.Organisers of Meghan Markle retreat confirm addition to speaker lineup | GETTYThe footage revealed circular tables arranged in a compact space, positioned before a modest platform with two chairs and a water table.Ms O’Neill also confirmed Dr Justine Corry as the latest addition to the speaker lineup for her ‘Her Best Life Retreat’.Dr Corry, who describes herself as a scientist and behaviour change expert with two decades of clinical psychology experience, now operates as a relationship coach.She previously co-founded The Good Mood Clinic in Bondi Junction before departing in February last year to focus on schema therapy coaching.Meghan Markle will be the headline for the weekend retreat | HER BEST LIFE “I suppose I want to introduce women to the idea of schemas and the schemas that prevent them from living their best life,” Dr Corry told Ms O’Neill during a podcast appearance.”I think knowing your schemas is a superpower, and it really allows you to be authentic and embody your values and be more emotionally resilient.”Attendees hoping to secure a place at the three-day wellness experience face costs between £1,400 and £1,700 per person.Ms O’Neill has characterised the gathering as having “a really intimate feeling” and revealed plans to pair up women attending alone.Gemma O’Neill (left) and Jackie O (right) at the Marie Claire Women Of The Year Awards 2024 | GETTY”We almost feel like we’re setting up like a dating site, like a blind date, because we’re trying to match people with other people on the table,” she explained.The talent agent added that numerous solo attendees had expressed interest in forming new friendships, with some openly stating they wished to find “new besties” during the April retreat.Ms O’Neill’s business ventures have faced significant turbulence, with her talent firm Gemmie Agency recently collapsing with debts, the majority owed to the Australian Taxation Office.Harry and Meghan pictured in Sydney in 2018 | GETTYThe retreat, scheduled for April 17 to 19, faces additional complications as the InterContinental’s facilities remain incomplete just weeks before guests arrive.The hotel’s infinity pool overlooking Coogee Beach, along with its spa, bar and leisure deck, is all still under construction.One recent guest described the pool refurbishment as “a work in progress” and “a blot on the view”, despite the venue promising attendees a relaxed poolside experience with ocean vistas.