Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, find themselves grappling with a wave of public criticism following their recent high-profile visit to Colombia. The couple, who have often attracted media attention since stepping back from official royal duties in 2020, are reportedly embarrassed by the backlash they received after their latest international trip, according to insiders.
The four-day visit to Colombia was intended to highlight issues such as women's economic autonomy and violence prevention, particularly in digital environments. It was part of the couple's ongoing efforts to leverage their global platform for social good, a mission they have pursued through their Archewell Foundation since relocating to Montecito, California.
Despite the noble intentions behind their visit, the couple has faced considerable criticism, much of it centered on accusations of trying to emulate the royal tours they once undertook as senior members of the British Royal Family.
An insider revealed to OK! magazine, "Meghan and Harry are keen to do more of these tours as that's what they love doing and what they enjoyed most about royal life. But they've been left embarrassed by this latest backlash, especially as they faced similar comments when they went to Nigeria."
The source noted that while the couple is used to public scrutiny, this particular wave of criticism has made them reconsider their approach to future international engagements.
This backlash isn't just a matter of public perception; it also touches on deeper concerns about how the couple is perceived within Hollywood and the broader global community. The insider explained that the couple understands the dual benefits of such tours, not only for the causes they champion but also for elevating their status in the entertainment industry. "They don't want to stop doing them but are unsure of what to do next to win everyone over again," the source added.
The criticism of their Colombia visit was not limited to the media. High-ranking Colombian officials, including Andres Escobar, voiced concerns over the cost of the visit, with some critics estimating that the security and logistical expenses reached approximately £1.5 million. Escobar accused the country's vice president, Francia Marquez, of inviting the Sussexes based on their celebrity status rather than the substantive impact of their visit.
"There are many, many Colombians who are hungry and have a lack of basic needs," Escobar stated. "We are in an economic crisis, and eight billion pesos have been spent for the visit of Harry and Meghan."
However, the Colombian Ministry of Equality and Equity, led by Vice President Marquez, defended the visit as a success and stressed that Harry and Meghan financed their trip with their own resources. The Ministry highlighted the visit as a significant opportunity for Colombia to connect with the Archewell Foundation and promote the country as a prime destination for business and tourism. A spokesperson from the Ministry affirmed, "It was a very productive visit that allowed connections to be established between the populations and the Archewell Foundation."
Despite these reassurances, the backlash has left the Sussexes at a crossroads. As Harry approaches his 40th birthday, a milestone often associated with reflection and reassessment, the prince is reportedly grappling with feelings of isolation. A royal source shared, "As he approaches 40, Harry has quite understandably been thinking about the past, and it does upset him that he doesn't really see any of his family and all of his friends he grew up with."
The source added that while Harry cherishes his life with Meghan and their two children, he cannot help but feel a sense of loss over the estrangement from his royal family and close friends. "He always thought he would celebrate his 40th surrounded by lots of friends and family. He feels sad about everything that has happened, but he knows nothing will change before then."
