Thursday marked the first day of Harry and Meghan’s four-day tour to the country of Colombia at the invitation of Vice President Francia Márquez, who requested their presence inspired by their Netflix documentary, believing Meghan could share her story and empower many women in the world.
Before their arrival, the Vice President, whom the Duke and Duchess were seen hugging, issued a statement, “They will have the exceptional opportunity to engage with leaders, youth, and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians committed to progress. In addition to these meaningful interactions, the Duke and Duchess will experience the rich heritage of Colombia,” as per Express.
Their decision to take a trip to this South American country was met with public backlash.
“Correct me if I’m wrong, but is Colombia not one of the most dangerous countries in the world? Yet Harry and Meghan, who are so worried about their safety and security, willingly go there? Make it make sense,” a netizen that goes by the name @Clare_C posted on X.
The Sussexes’ second significant outing this year, after their three-day visit to Nigeria, gives the impression of being an official royal engagement given that their journey will be carefully monitored and protected by a security team.
The couple is expected to explore beyond the capital of Bogota, including trips to Cartagena and Cali in the days to come.
On their first day, they paid a visit to a school where they discussed the effects of social media with students and later addressed a summit on digital responsibility, partially organized by their Archewell Foundation.
Knowing that the Sussexes have been very vocal about bringing their children to the UK because of security reasons after their tax-payer funded protection was revoked following Megxit, many question their decision to visit Colombia.
Expert Katie Nicholl was among those who reflected on the security issues. On the Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered podcast, she said, “I am sure this is a trip that will generate a huge amount of coverage for them as a couple, for Colombia, for everything that is going to be discussed over the round table that is going to take place over the course of those few days. And it, of course, puts Harry and Meghan on the international map once again. I think so much of this and what they’re doing is about that international visibility,” the Mirror reports.
“It’s apparently not safe to come to the UK, but it is safe to go to Colombia. I think when we look back at the last tour that they did, to Nigeria, the security was incredible there. But this was the military in Nigeria stepping up, treating the royals as if they were on an official royal tour. I suppose it’s going to depend on what kind of security they’re going to get when they’re on the ground [in Colombia]. One can imagine it is only going to be at a government and military level and they will be well protected because of course they don’t have the benefit of royal security.”
According to royal author Tom Quinn, this trip will further strain the relationship between the Sussexes and the members of the Firm since they send a message that they will continue act as royals and that there is nothing the royals can do about it. Speaking to Mirror, Queen added that whenever Harry and Meghan respond to an invitation from a sovereign state, it will look as though they “are somehow acting in an official royal capacity.”
A royal source raised concerns that Harry and Meghan might be manipulated by the Colombian Government, Sky reported.
“I’m sure Meghan and Harry mean well, but everyone here is talking about how obviously they are being manipulated,” the source said.
“Of course, their star power will be used to bring attention to poor people and certain areas of culture in Colombia … but the reality is the Colombian government has been drowning in scandal since it came in two years ago.
“They need something to appease people at home and make them look good abroad.”
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