Meghan Markle and Prince Harry recently completed a four-day trip to Colombia. The trip was organized by the country’s Vice President Francia Marquez. They were there to promote their charitable work and celebrate Afro-Colombian culture. Although the trip was positive, it quickly became controversial. The reason?
Reports claim that Meghan and Harry’s trip to Colombia cost a security bill of $2 million. This hefty amount has sparked a debate, especially in a country facing economic challenges. Many are now questioning whether or not this expense was worth it. Let’s take a closer look at Meghan and Harry’s trip to Colombia.
High security cost raises eyebrows
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived in Colombia under heavy security. They were protected by at least 16 armed police vehicles and a team of officers and soldiers. In Bogota, where security is often a concern, roads were closed, and the couple were transported with a bulletproof briefcase. One member also carried a folding shield to each event.
Security was necessary, but it was also expensive. The Colombian government spent $1.95 million on these arrangements. Now, as this report is circulating on social media, people are criticizing it. It is having a greater impact because Colombia is currently going through economic challenges.
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Criticism over timing and priorities
The timing of this trip has also come under scrutiny. Critics have pointed out that Prince Harry, who has been vocal about his family’s safety, refused to bring Meghan to the UK for security reasons. Yet, he chose to visit Colombia, a country with its own security challenges. This has shocked people, and some have questioned Meghan and Harry’s priorities.
Andres Escobar, a council member from Cali, was also not shy about his criticism. He expressed his disappointment on social media and said the visit was “handing over our resources in exchange for smoke and mirrors.”
Escobar argued that the nearly $2 million spent on the couple’s security could have been used for more urgent needs in Colombia. He claimed the money could have expanded a children’s canteen, paid salaries for community mothers and provided seed capital for Afro-Colombian communities to renovate sports venues. But instead, the government “spent taxes on rich white people for photos and social history.”
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Political implications of the visit
The trip also had political implications. Vice President Francia Marquez, who invited the Sussexes, is facing pressure in Colombia due to scandals and corruption in the government. Some believe that inviting Meghan and Harry was a way to divert attention from these issues. It may also have helped Marquez improve her image.
People have also claimed that Marquez focused more on promoting herself than actual diplomatic efforts. Political scientist Monica Pachon said that Marquez’s aim was more to attract media attention than to build important international relationships. She pointed out that Marquez is not very closely associated with President Gustavo Petro. And she may have wanted to make this trip to boost his reputation during a difficult time.
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Political context
President Gustavo Petro’s administration has been under pressure due to scandals and corruption claims. His tenure has been difficult, including investigations into misappropriation of funds and money laundering involving his son. These issues have also led to a drop in Petro’s approval ratings and growing public disillusionment.
And, in this situation, inviting Meghan and Harry could be a way to divert attention from these issues. Although the trip was intended to promote Colombia, it also highlighted the country’s political and economic struggles.
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A pattern of controversy
British royals and commentators have also criticized Meghan and Harry’s trip to Colombia. Some believe they are trying to stay popular with these trips. Others think they are going too far as non-working royals.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have faced criticism for their travels before. Their recent trip to Nigeria also faced criticism due to the high cost of their security. And as they continue their global philanthropy, they may need to address concerns about the financial implications of their trips.
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