They’re visiting at the invitation of Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez, the country’s first Black vice president. While the couple is expected to engage with local elders, youth, and women, many Colombians see this visit as more about self-promotion than genuine cultural exchange.
A prominent Bogotá lawyer expressed skepticism, stating, "Everyone here thinks Meghan and Harry are being manipulated. Their star power will likely be used to draw attention to certain areas in Colombia, but it's clear they're promoting themselves, not Colombia."
This skepticism isn't unfounded. The Colombian government has been grappling with scandals since coming into power two years ago. The recent controversies include corruption charges against the president’s son and allegations of infidelity against President Gustavo Petro. As a result, the government may be hoping to divert attention from these issues by spotlighting the Sussexes.
A spokesperson for the vice president’s office confirmed the trip but remained tight-lipped about the details. They mentioned that only three of the events will be open to the public, with all others under careful control to manage the narrative. This suggests a highly curated media presence for the visit.
Colombians are also unhappy about the security costs for the Sussexes, which are reportedly being covered by taxpayers. Critics argue that Meghan and Harry, being multimillionaires, should bear their own security expenses. There’s frustration that taxpayer money is being used for what many perceive as a PR stunt for both the Sussexes and the Colombian government.
The situation mirrors the controversy in the UK, where Prince Harry is also fighting for taxpayer-funded security during his visits. It seems both Colombian and British taxpayers are similarly frustrated with the perceived misuse of public funds.
In summary, Colombians are not pleased with Meghan and Harry's visit, viewing it as a ploy by the government to distract from its problems. There’s also dissatisfaction about the financial burden of securing the Sussexes, with many feeling that it’s an unjust expense.
