Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent visit to Colombia has been overshadowed by significant controversy and a pointed snub from the country's highest office.
As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex embarked on their four-day tour, they received a warm reception from Vice President Francia Márquez, which sharply contrasted with the cold shoulder given by President Gustavo Petro. Despite residing in Bogotá, the capital city where the couple was visiting, President Petro chose not to meet with them. This decision has been interpreted as a deliberate slight, adding a layer of diplomatic tension to what was intended to be a goodwill tour.
The visit commenced with the fanfare and ceremonial grandeur typical of such high-profile guests. Meghan, in an attempt to underscore her charitable image, wore Princess Diana's iconic earrings. This gesture, intended to evoke nostalgia and connect with the public on an emotional level, did little to influence public opinion positively. Instead, the couple's arrival quickly turned into a debacle, with many questioning the sincerity and purpose of their visit.
On the second day, Meghan and Harry visited the communities of Colio Legala and Santa Fe, where they interacted with local students, planted trees, and participated in art sessions. What should have been a heartwarming moment of connection was marred by a significant faux pas. The children had been led to believe they would meet James Rodríguez, a beloved football star. Instead, they were greeted by Meghan and Harry, whose celebrity status did not match local expectations. The Colombian public's reaction was swift and harsh, further exacerbated by President Petro's conspicuous absence from the visit.
President Gustavo Petro, who resides in Bogotá, made no effort to meet with the royal couple, a decision that speaks volumes. His refusal to engage with the Sussexes is seen as a clear message of disdain, underlining a significant diplomatic snub. Given that the president's role typically includes engaging with international figures, this deliberate choice to ignore Meghan and Harry's presence in Colombia has been interpreted as a stark rejection.
The public's disapproval has been palpable, with critics expressing their sentiments through various channels. Commentators have labeled Meghan and Harry as "good-for-nothing celebrities," "freeloaders," and "parasites." One particularly pointed comment questioned the merit of Meghan Markle's visit, bluntly asking, "What's Meghan Markle's merit? Marrying a prince?" This sharp critique underscores the local sentiment that views the visit as a misuse of resources, especially in a country where nearly half the population lives near or below the poverty line.
The display of Meghan's $72,000 wardrobe has further fueled public outrage. In a nation grappling with severe economic challenges, the contrast between the couple's opulence and the harsh realities faced by many Colombians has only deepened resentment. Adding to the discontent are the exorbitant security costs associated with the visit. Meghan and Harry traveled with a 15-car convoy and a heavy security detail, all funded by Colombian taxpayers. This has led many Colombians to question why they should bear the financial burden of protecting private individuals who do not officially represent any government or institution.
Criticism also extends to the perceived lack of tangible benefits from the visit. Detractors argue that Meghan and Harry's presence does little to address or alleviate Colombia's pressing issues. Instead, the visit is viewed as a self-serving public relations stunt rather than a genuine philanthropic effort. The socioeconomic context of Colombia, where extreme poverty affects around 11.4% of the population and income disparity is stark, makes the Sussexes' display of wealth appear not only out of touch but also deeply insensitive.
Meghan and Harry's Colombian tour has been overshadowed by a significant diplomatic snub from President Petro and widespread public dissatisfaction. The couple's attempt to project an image of philanthropy has backfired, exposing a profound disconnect with local realities. As Colombians grapple with the financial strain and symbolic insult of hosting these high-profile guests, it is evident that this royal visit has done more harm than good.
