Omid Scobie, a well-known royal commentator and alleged close friend of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, has once again spoken out in support of the royal couple. This comes after they faced criticism over their decision to visit Colombia, a country with a high terrorist threat and significant kidnapping risks.
Scobie’s Support on Social Media
Scobie took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to address the backlash. He tweeted:
“Some people really do Olympic level gymnastics to miss the point. I can only speak for myself, but never once have I received a death threat from someone in Colombia – the vast (almost exclusive) majority over the past six years has come from deranged individuals based in the UK.”
These remarks by Scobie, author of Endgame, were made in the wake of Meghan and Harry’s announcement of their upcoming four-day visit to Colombia. This decision surprised many royal experts, especially after Prince Harry previously expressed concerns about his family’s safety in the UK.
Colombia Invitation and Concerns
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were invited to Colombia by the country’s Vice President, Francia Marquez. Despite the honor of such an invitation, the timing and location of the visit have raised eyebrows due to ongoing security concerns.
The couple’s announcement comes shortly after the UK government issued a stern warning:
“There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets.”
In addition to the UK warning, the U.S. State Department has classified Colombia as a “level 3” hazard zone. The advisory mentions issues such as “violent crime, including homicide, assault, and armed robbery.”
Mixed Reactions to the Colombia Trip
The planned visit has sparked a mixed reaction from the public and royal commentators alike. While some see it as a bold move to engage with a nation working hard to improve its international reputation, others view it as a potentially risky decision given the security advisories.
Royal expert Emily Andrews commented: “It’s quite surprising that Harry and Meghan would choose Colombia, especially given Harry’s public statements about safety concerns. It’s a testament to their desire to make impactful connections but also raises questions about their priorities.”
Why Colombia?
For Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the visit to Colombia represents an opportunity to engage with a country that has seen significant transformation in recent years. Their agenda reportedly includes meetings with local leaders, discussions on social issues, and engagements with humanitarian projects focused on education and community development.
Their visit is seen as a gesture of goodwill and support for Colombia’s efforts to address social challenges and foster peace and stability.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s upcoming visit to Colombia has sparked intrigue and debate among royal watchers and the general public. While the security concerns remain a point of contention, the trip underscores Harry and Meghan’s commitment to global engagement and their willingness to step outside conventional comfort zones.
As Omid Scobie continues to stand by the couple, his statements reflect a broader narrative of how Prince Harry and Meghan Markle navigate their public roles and the scrutiny that accompanies their choices. Whether their visit to Colombia will prove successful or controversial remains to be seen, but it undeniably adds another chapter to their complex royal journey.
