Local Colombian officials are losing their minds over the cost of this adventure. We’re talking billions of pesos—money that could have fed a small country. And what did all this cash get spent on? You’ll love this: 3,000 police soldiers, helicopters, sniffer dogs, bomb disposal units, and even a guard with a bulletproof shield in case of sniper attacks. I mean, are we protecting royalty or filming the next James Bond movie?
When the backlash hit, everyone started pointing fingers faster than you can say “Queen’s culpable.” Colombian VP Francia Márquez stepped in, saying, “Whoa, we didn’t foot the whole bill!” Apparently, this little fiesta was a collective effort. Harry and Meghan supposedly covered their own travel expenses—more on that in a moment. International agencies chipped in, and the Colombian government handled some technical requirements. Yeah, because nothing says "technical requirement" like a small army and air support.
Harry and Meghan allegedly covered their own travel expenses, but where did that money come from? I have a sneaking suspicion their charitable foundation might be involved. If that’s the case, we’re looking at a charity essentially funding luxury travel for its founders. That’s not just eyebrow-raising; it’s eyebrow-launching into orbit territory.
According to the official line, it was to encourage tourism and investment. Oh, please! If I wanted to promote tourism in Colombia, I’d showcase the stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture. Instead, Harry and Meghan visited schools, attended performances, and taught a social media class. I’m sorry, but does learning to craft the perfect Instagram caption qualify as vital aid to a developing nation?
It’s like they’re playing royal dress-up, but instead of using old tiaras and medals, they’re using real countries and real people’s money—all under the guise of charity. It’s enough to make you want to throw your crumpet at the screen.
The Colombian government had the audacity to claim this visit showcased Colombia as a great investment and tourism destination. Seriously? Did they think Harry and Meghan zip-lining through the Amazon and salsa dancing in Cartagena would help? From where I’m sitting, all I saw were carefully orchestrated photo ops in controlled environments. That’s not showcasing Colombia; it’s showcasing Harry and Meghan.
And what about the real victims here? While these two are flaunting designer outfits and attending fancy events, there are real people in Colombia who could have benefited from the money spent on this royal dog and pony show. Imagine how many school lunches or community programs could have been funded with that cash. Instead, Colombia got a lesson on using social media.
I know what some of you might be thinking: “But they’re doing charity work!” To which I say, awareness of what exactly? The latest fashions? The art of the perfectly staged candid photo? From where I’m sitting, the only thing they’re raising awareness of is their own image.
This whole tour wasn’t about Colombia or charity or making a real difference. It was about Harry and Meghan playing pretend royals without the accountability or responsibility that comes with the actual job they wanted to escape. They wanted privacy and to do things their own way, but as soon as they get a whiff of attention, they’re back to their best impression of working royals—without doing any actual work.
While Harry and Meghan are off playing make-believe royals in Colombia, the actual working royals are out there making a real difference. Princess Anne is probably solving international crises before breakfast, Prince William and Kate are making real strides without needing a small army for protection, and even King Charles, despite health issues, is still fulfilling his duties. That’s what real service looks like: putting in the work day in and day out without expecting a standing ovation every time you shake someone’s hand.
Harry and Meghan have the audacity to act like they’re above reproach, as if questioning the funding of their adventure is an attack on them or their charities. Newsflash: when you put yourself in the public eye and claim to be doing charitable work, you open yourself up to scrutiny. That’s not bullying; it’s accountability. If you can’t handle the heat, maybe it’s time to get out of the royal kitchen.
If I were in charge—let’s face it, with my charm and good looks, I’d make a fabulous monarch—I’d lay down the law. Want to do charity work? Great—show us the receipts. Want to represent causes? Fantastic—do it without the pomp and circumstance. And for the love of all that’s royal, stop treating developing nations like your personal backdrop for Instagram photos.
To Harry and Meghan, I say this: it’s time to put up or shut up. If you really want to make a difference, do it without the fanfare, the designer outfits, and the security detail that rivals a small nation’s army. Do it because it’s the right thing to do, not because it makes for a good photo op. And to the people of Colombia and anyone else used as a prop in the Harry and Meghan show, I say you deserve better. You deserve real help and real support, not just a fleeting visit from two people playing dress-up royals.
This whole situation is more disappointing than discovering your favorite tea shop is out of scones. We’ve got two people with incredible platforms and resources who could be doing so much good in the world, but instead, they’re caught up in a game of “Look at Me.” It’s time for Harry and Meghan to take a long, hard look in the mirror and ask themselves: Are we really helping, or are we just helping ourselves? From where I’m sitting, it looks a lot like the latter.
