Colombian Vice President Francis Márquez recently delivered a scathing critique of Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, which has sent shockwaves through the international community.
Márquez condemned Markle for what he described as an extravagant and insensitive display during her recent visit to Colombia, accusing her of being out of touch with the harsh realities faced by ordinary Colombians. The controversy erupted when Meghan Markle was seen wearing a navy blue summer suit by Veronica Beard, paired with tailored trousers, a waistcoat, and a white handbag from Laurel Piana, valued at an astonishing €120,000.
The ensemble was completed with a pair of Manolo Blahnik court shoes, a brand she has favored on numerous occasions. This opulent display drew sharp criticism from Vice President Márquez, who took to the podium to express his dismay.
"It is absolutely disgraceful that the Duchess of Sussex would flaunt such extravagance in a country where the majority of the population lives in poverty," Márquez declared. "This is a slap in the face to the hardworking people of Colombia who struggle to make ends meet on a daily basis." His words were a stark rebuke of what he saw as Markle's disconnect from the lived experiences of the Colombian people, arguing that her lavish display of wealth only served to underscore the stark inequalities that persist in the country.
Márquez continued to criticize Markle, accusing her of hypocrisy. "The Duchess of Sussex has come to our nation claiming to champion the cause of the less fortunate, yet she surrounds herself with the trappings of the elite. This is the height of hypocrisy and an insult to the very people she claims to represent," he stated, his voice laced with disdain.
In response to the vice president's harsh critique, Meghan Markle's representatives issued a statement defending her actions. "The Duchess of Sussex is deeply committed to making a positive impact on the communities she visits, and her wardrobe choices are not intended to be a reflection of her wealth or status," the statement read. "The Duchess has always been mindful of balancing her personal style with her role as a public figure, and she remains focused on the meaningful work she is undertaking during her time in Colombia."
Despite this attempt at damage control, the statement did little to quell the growing outrage among Colombians. Many took to social media to express their disappointment and frustration, accusing Markle of disregarding the economic realities of their country. This incident is not the first time Markle has faced criticism for her sartorial choices during royal tours. In 2019, she was widely criticized for wearing a €13,500 Valentino dress to a formal reception in South Africa, a decision seen as out of touch with the country's impoverished population. Similarly, during a 2018 tour of Australia and New Zealand, she faced backlash for wearing a series of designer outfits, including a €1,200 Oscar de la Renta dress and €595 Aquazzura heels while visiting areas affected by natural disasters.
These incidents have fueled the perception that Markle is detached from the struggles of ordinary people, a perception further exacerbated by her recent behavior during the Colombian tour. The fallout from her controversial outfit choice has sparked a broader conversation about the role of the royal family in a world where inequality and poverty are rampant. Many have argued that Markle's actions have undermined the monarchy's efforts to portray itself as a force for good, prompting calls for a reevaluation of the institution's priorities and public engagement strategies.
"The royal family has a responsibility to be mindful of the optics of their actions, especially when visiting countries where the majority of the population lives in poverty," said Dr. Amelia Hatfield, a political scientist and expert on royal affairs. "Meghan's choice of outfit was not only insensitive but also failed to reflect the gravity of the issues facing the Colombian people." Hatfield's sentiments have been echoed by a growing number of commentators and activists who have called for the royal family to adopt a more nuanced and empathetic approach to their public engagements—one that prioritizes substance over style.
As the dust settles on the Meghan Markle controversy, there is a growing consensus that the Duchess and the royal family as a whole must take decisive steps to address the perception of elitism and disconnect that has plagued their public image in recent years. Dr. Hatfield noted that this incident offers the Duchess a valuable opportunity to reflect on the impact of her actions and to recommit herself to the principles of compassion and service that should be at the core of her public role. "By embracing a more humble and relatable approach, Meghan can help rebuild trust and foster a deeper connection with the communities she seeks to serve," Hatfield added.
Ultimately, the resolution of this crisis will depend on Meghan's willingness to learn from her mistakes and engage in a genuine and sustained effort to bridge the divide between the royal family and the realities faced by ordinary people, both in Colombia and around the world.
