As Meghan Markle and Prince Harry embark on their four-day visit to Colombia, the couple has once again found themselves at the center of a swirling controversy. Royal experts and commentators have accused the Duke and Duchess of Sussex of using the trip for "self-promotion," raising questions about their motives and the true purpose of their visit to the South American nation.
The couple touched down in Bogotá on August 15, greeted by Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez and her husband, Rafael Yerney Pinillo. Their visit, which is intended to promote digital safety and mental health awareness, has sparked a wave of skepticism, particularly from royal biographer Robert Jobson, who believes the couple's intentions are more about maintaining their celebrity status than making a genuine impact.
"Harry and Meghan, however, have one reason for this 'tour' - self-promotion, to keep themselves in the spotlight so they can continue to trade on their royal links while demanding privacy when they are having their downtime," Jobson told the Daily Express. He further remarked that the visit has "raised more questions than answers," questioning the necessity and sincerity of the trip.
"When Harry and Meghan touched down, it wasn't just the Colombian sun that made people squint," Jobson continued. "It was the blinding glare of their celebrity. Confused locals are asking, 'Are they here to help?'"
The Sussexes, who were invited by Vice President Márquez, are no strangers to scrutiny, but their trip to Colombia has reignited debates about their roles as quasi-royals. Since stepping back from official royal duties, the couple has pursued various philanthropic endeavors, often accompanied by accusations that their efforts are driven by a desire to remain in the public eye.
One of the most contentious aspects of the visit is the question of who is footing the bill for the couple's expenses. Jobson raised concerns about the financial implications of the trip, asking who is covering the costs of their "flights, their security, and their luxury accommodations," given that they are no longer active members of the royal family.
The visit comes at a time when Colombia is grappling with significant social and political challenges, and some critics argue that the presence of the Sussexes may distract from these pressing issues. "If anything, their arrival has highlighted the deep divisions in a country still fighting to find its way," Jobson noted.
Adding to the concerns, a former palace insider suggested that the couple's presence might be "putting a burden" on Colombia, which may have "limited methods of keeping them safe." While the Colombian government is expected to provide security for the couple's official engagements, it is believed that Harry and Meghan have also brought along their private security team.
Despite the criticism, the Sussexes have maintained a busy schedule during their visit, with a focus on advocacy and public engagement. On the first day, they visited the Centro Nacional Cultura Popular, a public school in Bogotá, where they interacted with students and staff. The visit centered on an anti-cyberbullying project, an issue that has been a key focus for the couple in recent years.
For their public appearances, Meghan and Harry have embraced a polished and professional look, with the Duchess of Sussex donning a dark blue two-piece set, while Prince Harry opted for a simple dark suit paired with a light blue shirt. Their attire, as always, has drawn attention, with commentators noting Meghan's continued influence in the world of fashion.
The couple's itinerary includes visits to schools across Bogotá, Cartagena, and Cali, where they will advocate for greater mental health awareness and encourage students to enhance their digital literacy. Additionally, Prince Harry, who founded the Invictus Games, will meet with Colombia's own Invictus Games team as part of his ongoing work to support wounded veterans.
While their visit is framed as an effort to boost "Colombia's role as a beacon of culture and innovation," the underlying questions about their motivations persist. For some, the trip is seen as a continuation of their efforts to carve out a new identity outside the royal family, while for others, it represents yet another instance of the couple using their status to stay in the limelight.
