As Meghan Markle and Prince Harry prepare to embark on their second quasi-royal tour, this time in Colombia, the couple is once again thrust into the international spotlight. The four-day visit, which begins on Thursday, will see the Sussexes travel to the capital, Bogotá, the historic city of Cartagena on the Caribbean coast, and Cali, where they are set to attend a cultural festival. However, their visit to the South American country, which is grappling with high crime rates and political instability, has sparked controversy.
A Diplomatic Invitation
The Sussexes were invited to Colombia by Vice President Francia Márquez, the first Black woman to hold the office. Márquez has framed the visit as an opportunity for the couple to engage with various communities, including elders, youth, and women, to highlight Colombia’s rich culture and innovation. For Meghan, who recently celebrated her 43rd birthday, the trip presents a chance to showcase her fluent Spanish, a skill honed during her time at the U.S. Embassy in Argentina.
Mixed Reactions in Colombia
Despite the diplomatic intent behind the visit, many Colombians view the Sussexes’ tour with skepticism. A prominent lawyer in Bogotá commented, “I’m sure Meghan and Harry mean well, but everyone here is talking about how obviously they are being manipulated.” Critics argue that the couple’s star power is being leveraged by Colombia’s beleaguered government to distract from a series of scandals.
President Gustavo Petro, a former guerrilla fighter turned politician, has been mired in controversy since assuming office in 2022. His son faces corruption charges that could lead to a 25-year prison sentence, and Petro himself has been accused of having an affair with transgender TV host Linda Yepes. The affair allegations, which Petro has not denied, have only added to the growing dissatisfaction with his administration.
Security Concerns and Criticism
As the Sussexes prepare to visit one of the world’s most dangerous regions, security concerns have mounted. Both the UK and US governments have issued warnings to travelers about the high risks of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime in Colombia. Although security arrangements for the couple remain undisclosed, sources suggest that the Colombian taxpayer will foot the bill for what is expected to be substantial security costs. This has sparked discontent among Colombians, who question why they should bear the financial burden for what some see as a “public relations exercise” for both the Sussexes and the Colombian government.
Vice President Márquez: A Controversial Figure
Vice President Márquez, who rose to prominence from humble beginnings, has been both praised for her activism and criticized for her actions since taking office. As the head of Colombia’s first Ministry for Equality, Márquez has been accused of failing to deliver on her promises to help the poor, particularly women. Her frequent use of helicopters, justified by threats against her life, and her decision to move into a new home rather than the official vice president’s residence have fueled criticism that she has succumbed to the trappings of power.
A Tarnished Tour
This isn’t the first time Meghan and Harry’s quasi-royal tours have been mired in controversy. Their previous visit to Nigeria in May was marred by revelations that one of the Nigerian “kings” they met was a convicted criminal, raising questions about the vetting process for their engagements.
As the Sussexes prepare to stay in the luxurious £2,500-a-night Presidential suite at the Sofitel Legend Hotel in Cartagena, the contrast between their opulent accommodations and the harsh realities faced by many Colombians is likely to fuel further criticism.
The Royal Family’s Perspective
While King Charles and the senior members of the British Royal Family, including the cancer-stricken Princess Catherine, enjoy their summer retreat at Balmoral, it remains to be seen whether they will be following the coverage of this latest Sussex tour from 5,000 miles away. The reception of Meghan and Harry’s visit in Colombia could have implications not just for their personal brand but also for their ongoing efforts to carve out a unique role on the global stage.
