In a tragic turn of events, a Colombian city recently visited by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was struck by a devastating explosion. The blast resulted in the death of a 60-year-old man and left four others gravely injured. This explosion occurred during a fervent protest in the El Túnel area, which connects the cities of Popayán and Cali, located approximately 450 km southwest of the bustling capital, Bogotá.
A paramedic who rushed to the scene confirmed that the victim was a local resident living close to the explosion site. The route has become a focal point for impassioned demonstrations by indigenous communities demanding a meeting with President Gustavo Petro. Despite warnings and concerns about safety, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex proceeded with their visit to Colombia, arriving on August 18th after spending the initial days of their tour in Bogotá.
Their decision to travel to Colombia raised concerns, as several nations, including the United Kingdom and the United States, had issued travel advisories due to high levels of violent crime, such as homicide and armed robbery. Since stepping back from his official royal role, Prince Harry has been vocal about his concerns regarding the security of Meghan and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. This apprehension led him to take legal action against the Home Office, expressing his disappointment over reduced security arrangements following his family’s move to California in 2020.
Renowned royal analyst Hillary Forwick previously noted that Colombia has a notorious reputation for being one of the most dangerous countries in the world. The irony lies in the contrast between expressing concerns about safety in the United Kingdom while willingly traveling to a country known for its extreme lack of safety. Just a month ago, Prince Harry voiced his anxieties about his loved ones' well-being in the ITV documentary *Tabloids on Trial*, where he solemnly stated that a single individual influenced by sensational content could act upon it, whether with a weapon or harmful substances. These genuine concerns continue to weigh heavily on his mind.
