Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent trip to Colombia has quickly turned into a spectacle of grand proportions—but not for the reasons they might have hoped. Their highly anticipated South American tour has been marred by a dramatic display of excessive security and an unexpectedly sparse turnout. On their third day in Colombia, the couple traveled to the coastal town of Cartagena, where they were scheduled to visit the Tambor de Cabildo music school. However, before we dive into the event itself, let’s discuss the circus that surrounded it.
The Sussexes arrived in Cartagena with a security detail more befitting a head of state than a pair of former royals attempting to reinvent their public image. As Harry and Meghan made their way from the capital, Bogotá, to Cartagena, the city was essentially put on lockdown. A police Blackhawk helicopter hovered overhead, while drones buzzed around like oversized mosquitoes. Streets were blocked off, and a black police vehicle, equipped to handle everything from nuclear threats to biological attacks, was stationed outside. An ambulance was also on standby, ready for any medical emergencies that might arise from the sheer absurdity of the situation.
As the Sussexes emerged from their Toyota Land Cruiser, they were flanked by an impressive array of security measures, including ballistic briefcases, Kevlar shields, and a squad of armed officers. The venue, set on a picturesque beach, was surrounded by a formidable ring of police and soldiers. Despite all this pomp and circumstance, the anticipated crowds failed to materialize.
Local media reported that Cartagena’s mayor, William D'Artagnan, had been notably excluded from the event. D'Artagnan, clearly miffed, told W Radio that Vice President Francia Márquez had not invited him to any of the events, so he would be watching from home. He also mentioned that he would be sending a gift through the Foreign Ministry as a gesture of goodwill to compensate for his exclusion.
As the Sussexes enjoyed their security bubble, the local response was anything but enthusiastic. Despite the massive deployment of 3,000 police officers and a convoy of heavily armored vehicles, the expected crowds remained resolutely absent. The extensive security operation seemed more appropriate for a high-profile summit than a visit to a music school.
Inside the venue, things were not much better. After an hour of what was presumably a grand performance involving the Sussexes nodding along to drumming beats and doing their best to look interested, Harry and Meghan made their exit. The entire affair was conducted behind a barricade of vehicles designed to obscure the view of their departure, as if attempting to conceal the embarrassing truth of their failed engagement. No media were allowed inside, although footage and photos were promised to be released later by the Vice President’s office and the Sussexes' team.
With the streets virtually empty and local interest waning, one has to question the purpose of it all. The Sussexes’ over-the-top security and the lack of public interest highlight a broader issue: their diminishing influence. What was intended to be a heartfelt tour showcasing their commitment to cultural and social causes instead underscored their growing irrelevance. In contrast, Prince William and Princess Catherine’s recent visit to Jamaica saw crowds turn out in droves to greet them, illustrating a stark difference in public appeal.
