Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent four-day tour of Colombia, which was widely dubbed a "DIY royal tour," has highlighted significant hurdles they may face in executing future royal-style visits independently. The trip, which included visits to schools, musical performances, and meetings with Invictus Games competitors, closely resembled a traditional royal tour but was conducted without official royal support.
The Sussexes' itinerary was packed with activities: from attending forums to learning local drumming traditions, their visit was designed to project a royal-like engagement. Despite the apparent success of their activities, the tour exposed potential difficulties for Harry and Meghan as they navigate their post-royal public engagements.
Dr. Tessa Dunlop, a royal expert and historian, told the Mirror, "The Sussexes' recent visit to Colombia confirmed what we already knew-Harry is most comfortable doing what he was trained for from birth: glad-handing, gushing, ribbon-cutting, dancing, and even trying his hand at Spanish." She continued, "Dubbed the DIY royal tour, the Sussexes have found their sweet spot visiting countries in need of an international uplift."
Despite the enthusiastic reception, the logistics and financial implications of such tours are substantial. Dr. Dunlop pointed out the significant cost involved, noting, "Without the support from the British monarchy, trips like these are time-consuming and expensive." Meghan's extensive wardrobe changes and the overall expenditure underscore the challenges of maintaining their brand's high-profile image independently.
During their visit, the Sussexes were hosted by Colombia's Vice President Francia Marquez, who provided full security and logistical support. However, the cost of security for the tour was reportedly £1.5 million ($2.9 million AUD), a figure that sparked criticism from local politicians. They accused the expenditure of being a misuse of public funds in a country grappling with high poverty rates.
The Sussexes' tour also underscored a potential disconnect between their public image and the socio-political realities of the host country. Critics questioned the value of their visit, given that Harry and Meghan do not officially represent the UK monarchy or its government. This disconnection became evident when Harry faced criticism over the British monarchy's historic role in the slave trade-a topic unrelated to Colombia's Spanish colonial past.
In contrast, the British royal family has maintained a more subdued summer, with the Prince and Princess of Wales making a notable impact through a brief Instagram appearance alongside USA's Snoop Dogg. Dr. Dunlop highlighted this discrepancy, stating, "William and Kate had a surprisingly quiet summer, but their brief appearance with Snoop Dogg was a clear ace."
As the Sussexes look to future engagements, the hurdles faced in Colombia may influence their approach. The need to independently manage and fund such high-profile tours could prove challenging. The extensive media control and the sophisticated planning required suggest that maintaining their desired public profile will demand significant resources and careful strategizing.
