On the third day of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's so-called "War Tour" of Colombia, what was intended to be a cultural exploration of the Afro-Caribbean village of San Basilio de Palenque quickly turned into a showcase of the ongoing tension between the couple.
This time, Harry appeared visibly frustrated with Meghan’s infamous "claw"—the firm grip she uses to guide him through public appearances. The village, known for its vibrant culture and rich history, became the stage for yet another awkward public interaction, or more precisely, a lack thereof.
The logistics of the trip resembled a military operation, underscoring the seriousness with which their security was managed. A brief helicopter flight from Cartagena was followed by a bumpy 15-minute drive along a pothole-riddled road, heavily guarded by soldiers and even a tank. Meghan chose a white linen skirt, sleeveless blouse, and a Panama hat—an outfit seemingly curated to withstand the sweltering 30°C heat. Harry, on the other hand, appeared less prepared for the climate, with his light blue linen shirt betraying him with visible sweat stains under the arms.
As the couple arrived at the village square, where local artisans had set up stalls displaying traditional handicrafts, Meghan immediately took hold of Harry's hand. However, this wasn’t the casual, affectionate handholding one might expect from a couple deeply in love. Meghan's grip seemed more like an act of control, as though she were dragging Harry along, directing his every move. Her energy was so assertive that one could almost question whether Harry was capable of walking unaided. The tension in Meghan’s arm was palpable; her determination to steer Harry exactly where she wanted him was unmistakable. This wasn’t merely a leisurely stroll through the village—it was a power play.
Harry, for his part, looked utterly disengaged, as though he would rather be anywhere else. The juxtaposition of Meghan’s forced smiles and Harry’s clear discomfort was impossible to ignore. The contrast between their expressions was striking: Meghan, with a pleased grin and a double-clutching handhold, seemed desperate to maintain the appearance of a happy couple, while Harry looked completely fed up. His subtle attempts to pull away were noticeable, and his eyes never once met hers. It was as if the simple act of holding hands had become a burden, a tiresome chore that Harry no longer had the patience for.
The absurdity of the situation was evident. Here they were, supposedly on a cultural tour, yet all eyes were focused on the peculiar dynamics of their relationship. Meghan’s clinginess and Harry’s visible discomfort painted a picture of a couple struggling to keep up appearances. Their body language spoke volumes, revealing a relationship that seemed far from equal.
Royal protocol has long frowned upon public displays of affection for a reason—such moments can expose underlying tensions even in the most in-love couples. When disagreements manifest through body language, the discomfort becomes glaringly obvious. Harry and Meghan, however, appeared determined to prove a point with their constant handholding and public displays of affection. Unfortunately, that point seemed to be falling flat.
In San Basilio de Palenque, the cracks in their carefully curated image were on full display. Meghan’s controlling demeanor and Harry’s obvious disdain highlighted the underlying tension in their relationship. The so-called "claw" had met its match, and Harry seemed no longer willing to tolerate it.
As the day wore on, it became increasingly clear that the handholding and double-clutching were less about showing affection and more about maintaining control. Meghan’s desperation to keep up appearances only emphasized the strain in their relationship, while Harry’s attempts to distance himself spoke volumes. The once carefully crafted image of a united, loving couple was unraveling, and no amount of forced handholding could hide the truth. What was meant to be a cultural exchange during their Colombian tour instead became a spectacle of a relationship teetering on the edge.
