Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's unofficial "royal tour" of Colombia has rapidly devolved into a controversial display of privilege and diplomacy, raising eyebrows and generating criticism.
Announced with much enthusiasm, this visit was supposedly at the invitation of Colombia's Vice President, Francia Márquez. However, as the Sussexes' trip progresses, it has become evident that their so-called diplomatic mission is more about leveraging their royal status than fostering genuine international relations.
Vice President Márquez introduced the visit with lofty statements, asserting that the Duke and Duchess would be gracing Bogotá, Cartagena, and Cali with their presence. It appears that Colombia has been strategically chosen as the backdrop for the Sussexes' latest demonstration of royal duties, following a similar endeavor in Nigeria. Enter royal commentator and Meghan critic Angela Levin, who has been outspoken about the couple's often controversial decisions. Levin did not mince words in condemning their choice to visit Colombia, especially given Prince Harry's apparent reluctance to return to the UK, citing safety concerns.
Levin argues that the Duke's ongoing legal battles with the British Home Office over security are little more than a charade. She finds it ironic that Harry, who claims to be concerned about security risks in the UK, has chosen to visit Colombia—a country that Levin describes as dangerous and plagued by ransom demands. According to Levin, the Sussexes' travel decisions underscore their attempts to manipulate King Charles and the public perception of their royal image. She remarked that their insistence on top-tier security is simply a facade for their preference for luxury, a sentiment that seems to have been carried into their Colombian trip.
The drama intensified with rumors that the Colombian government had denied the Sussexes' request for five-star accommodations, despite their apparent belief that their status warrants such luxury. Reports suggest that the Colombian authorities opted instead to adhere to standard hospitality protocols, rejecting the couple's demands for opulent lodgings. This refusal has stirred conversations within royal circles and sparked public debate about the couple's expectations. Meghan Markle, known for her lavish tastes, is no stranger to controversy. Her penchant for luxury—from a designer wardrobe to a preference for private jets—has consistently drawn criticism. This latest incident in Colombia only adds to a growing list of scandals that highlight her perceived disconnect from the realities faced by everyday people.
The unfolding saga surrounding their accommodation in Colombia serves as yet another glaring example of Meghan's extravagant lifestyle. During her time as a working royal, Meghan was frequently scrutinized for her lavish fashion choices and her preference for private flights. These controversies have fueled accusations that she is out of touch with the concerns of ordinary people. As the debate over the Colombian hotel situation continues, it remains to be seen how Meghan and Harry will respond. Speculation is rife that the couple might cancel their trip altogether rather than compromise on their accommodation preferences. On the other hand, some believe that they may grudgingly accept the Colombian government's decision and attempt to salvage their trip with a semblance of grace.
This entire episode further underscores the ongoing tensions between the Sussexes and public perceptions of their royal status. As Harry and Meghan continue to navigate their post-royal lives, their efforts to maintain a royal image amidst their extravagant lifestyle are likely to attract even more scrutiny and criticism.
