Meghan Markle's tour to Colombia is quickly unraveling into a public relations disaster.
Unfortunately for the Sussexes, the responsibility for this debacle falls squarely on their shoulders. The tour, originally intended to spotlight various social issues and enhance their public image, has instead revealed a striking disconnect from the realities on the ground. During their visit to a local school, where they discussed topics such as digital intrusion and social media, their insensitivity became glaringly apparent.
The irony of lecturing children in a country where many can't even afford basic phones was not lost on observers. It increasingly seems that this trip was less about making a genuine impact and more about enjoying a luxury holiday under the guise of a royal engagement. One significant issue that has come to light is the lack of media interest. Many news outlets, already stretched thin and having recently invested heavily in covering actual royalty, have little incentive to focus on the Sussexes' tour. As a result, media coverage has been minimal and largely dismissive.
Previously prominent publications like The Telegraph and The Times now relegate their stories to the back pages, if they cover them at all. This diminishing media presence is hardly surprising given Harry and Meghan's recent track record. Back in the UK, their popularity is waning. Harry's return for the Invictus Games in Birmingham and his attendance at royal events at St. Paul's Cathedral were met with noticeable public disinterest, a stark contrast to the adoration he once enjoyed. It seems the Sussexes' charm is wearing thin, and this latest tour is only emphasizing their declining star power.
In Colombia, the situation is even more dismal. The term "crowd" is used loosely here, as the actual turnout has been underwhelming at best. The Sussexes' team has been quick to blame security concerns for the sparse attendance, but it’s evident that the real issue is a lack of genuine public interest. The few people who did show up were likely herded together, and the discontent was palpable. Compounding the farce is the ongoing saga of their children, Archie and Lilibet. Despite claims that their offspring would have loved to visit Colombia, the couple decided at the last minute to leave them behind. The reasoning? To avoid placing any additional financial strain on the already overburdened tour budget. This is just another chapter in the series of excuses that seem to follow the Sussexes wherever they go. From missed royal duties to last-minute changes, their children's absence is just the latest in a long line of disappointments.
The narrative of invisible children and their unexplained absences is beginning to wear thin. The promises and expectations set by Harry and Meghan have repeatedly failed to materialize. The supposed enthusiasm for their work and the adoring fans they hope to win over have proven to be figments of their imagination. The Colombian leg of the tour has exposed a harsh reality: the Sussexes' appeal is rapidly dwindling, and their attempts to project a glamorous image are failing spectacularly. Their missteps, coupled with the palpable lack of enthusiasm from both the media and the public, only serve to highlight how far they have fallen from their former glory.
