Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent visit to Colombia has sparked a wave of controversy regarding the funding of their trip, with accusations that the security and associated expenses cost the country £1.5 million. However, Colombian officials have moved swiftly to refute these claims, emphasizing that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex largely financed the visit themselves, with only limited external support.
The couple's four-day tour of Colombia included stops in Bogotá, Cali, and Cartagena, where they engaged in a series of public and private events aimed at promoting various social causes. The visit was organized in conjunction with Colombia's Ministry of Equality and Equity, led by Vice-President Francia Márquez, who has publicly praised the tour as a significant success for the country.
Reports initially surfaced, claiming that the visit placed a significant financial burden on the Colombian government, particularly in terms of security costs. These reports suggested that the deployment of 3,000 police and soldiers, along with helicopters, bomb disposal units, and other security measures, amounted to a daily expense of £375,000, culminating in a total cost of £1.5 million. The claims were met with criticism, especially given Colombia's ongoing socio-economic challenges.
In response, the Colombian government issued a statement clarifying the financial arrangements surrounding the Sussexes' visit. According to the Ministry of Equality and Equity, the Duke and Duchess personally covered their travel expenses, and the majority of their engagements were "co-financed" with the assistance of international agencies and philanthropic organizations. "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex financed their trip and that of their team with their own resources," a spokesperson from the Ministry stated, underscoring the couple's commitment to managing their own expenses.
Further details revealed that while some logistical support may have been provided by the Colombian government, particularly in terms of transportation and event coordination, these contributions were minimal and did not significantly impact the nation's budget. The government emphasized that the visit was seen as an opportunity to showcase Colombia's potential as a destination for tourism and investment, rather than a financial drain on public resources.
Vice-President Francia Márquez highlighted the broader significance of the visit, noting that it helped to shift international perceptions of Colombia. "The whole world has set its eyes on Colombia's diversity and cultural richness," Márquez said, adding that the visit demonstrated that Colombia is "not the country of violence, but a country of hope, fraternity, and peace." The Vice-President also stressed the importance of such high-profile visits in attracting global attention and fostering positive change within the country.
The Ministry of Equality and Equity echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the Sussexes' visit had brought valuable international attention to Colombia, which is crucial for boosting the country's image and economy. "The visit of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, helped to further demonstrate that Colombia is a country where global causes converge, a country capable of hosting diverse interests, as well as an attractive destination for investment, tourism, and business," the Ministry's statement read.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the Archewell Foundation, founded by Prince Harry and Meghan, to connect with Colombian communities and explore potential partnerships aimed at promoting economic autonomy for women, preventing digital violence against youth, and supporting peace-building initiatives through art and culture.
While the controversy over the trip's costs may continue to draw attention, Colombian officials remain focused on the positive outcomes of the visit, particularly in terms of international engagement and the promotion of Colombia as a vibrant, evolving nation. As Vice-President Márquez succinctly put it, the visit was "a very productive" endeavor that successfully showcased the best of what Colombia has to offer on the global stage.
