The people of Colombia are furious over the reported misuse of funds to host Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, with the backlash prompting a response from the country's vice president. The controversy centers around the claim that taxpayer money was squandered on the couple's visit, sparking a heated debate.
Colombian officials have come under fire for allegedly misusing public funds to bring Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to the country. A local councilman accused the vice president of squandering taxpayer money on what he described as vanity projects. He claimed billions of pesos were spent on hosting the couple—money that could have been used for essential services like expanding children's programs, paying community workers, or improving sports venues.
Security Chief Andre Escobar criticized the event on social media, noting that the funds spent could have been better utilized for community development rather than high-profile photo ops. Although the exact cost of the trip has not been confirmed, estimates suggest that security expenses alone could run into the millions. The backlash grew so intense that the vice president was compelled to address the situation.
Now, let’s get into the details. Colombian officials have clarified how the tour was financed. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's visit, which took place last week and included school visits and performances, was reportedly funded with contributions from international agencies and philanthropies. The Sussexes covered their own travel expenses, according to Vice President Francia Márquez.
Márquez’s office explained that the trip was financed through a collective effort, with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex covering their own travel and accommodation costs. Events held during the visit were co-financed by international organizations and charitable contributions. Despite this, critics argue that the funds used for security were excessive and raised questions about the effectiveness of the visit.
The visit, which cost around £1.5 million for security alone, included extensive measures such as police, soldiers, helicopters, and even bomb disposal units. Márquez's office claimed that the goal was to promote tourism and investment in Colombia. However, many feel that the trip did little to showcase the country’s true potential and was more about enhancing the Sussexes' image.
The criticism intensified when it became apparent that the visit focused heavily on high-profile events rather than tangible benefits for local communities. Critics argue that the funds could have been better spent on addressing Colombia's significant socio-economic challenges rather than on royal pageantry.
This situation has opened up a can of worms about the transparency and accountability of charitable funds used for such high-profile visits. The public’s anger reflects broader concerns about how charitable funds are allocated and whether they truly benefit those in need.
