The world of royalty is no stranger to drama, but the latest episode featuring Meghan Markle and Colombia’s Vice President, Francia Marquez, has taken things to a new level.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex recently wrapped up their Caribbean tour, which included stops in Belize, Jamaica, and the Bahamas.
While the couple made headlines for their extravagant spending—over $100,000 on designer outfits—their next stop in Colombia would reveal a different kind of controversy.
As Meghan and Harry prepared to meet with Marquez, who holds the historic title of Colombia’s first Afro-Colombian Vice President, tensions began to rise.
Marquez is renowned for her advocacy in human rights, environmental justice, and gender equality, embodying a modest and grounded approach that starkly contrasts with Meghan’s high-profile image.
The drama unfolded when Meghan’s team reached out to Marquez’s office with an unexpected request.
They wanted the Colombian government to cover the costs of a custom-made outfit from designer Roland Muray, estimated at around $5,000.
Meghan believed that wearing the same clothes from previous tour stops wouldn’t make the impact she desired during her meeting with Marquez.
To many, $5,000 might seem like pocket change, especially in celebrity circles.
However, in Colombia, where the minimum wage is less than $250 per month, this demand struck a nerve.
It was perceived as a glaring display of privilege, prompting outrage among citizens who struggle to make ends meet.
Marquez did not hold back her feelings regarding Meghan’s request.
In a public statement, she expressed her dismay, emphasizing that such entitlement was unacceptable.
She articulated her disappointment, stating, “While fashion is an important part of diplomacy, people’s needs should always come before displays of vanity.” Her words resonated deeply, capturing the sentiment of many Colombians.
The Vice President further criticized the notion of using taxpayer money for a royal’s wardrobe, insisting that funds would be better spent on education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
Marquez’s remarks highlighted a stark reality: the struggles faced by ordinary citizens should never be overshadowed by the whims of the wealthy.
The backlash against Meghan was swift and widespread, echoing throughout Colombia and beyond.
Critics seized upon this incident as evidence that the Duchess is out of touch with pressing social issues.
For many, it reinforced the perception that Meghan views developing nations merely as stages for her global image rather than communities with real challenges.
In the wake of the controversy, the Sussex office scrambled to mitigate the fallout.
They issued an apology, claiming that the request had been made without a full understanding of local economic conditions.
However, this statement did little to quell the rising tide of criticism.
Social media in Colombia erupted with memes that mocked Meghan’s audacity, while other influential figures, including actress Salma Hayek, voiced support for Marquez.
They underscored the importance of recognizing one’s privilege, urging Meghan to reflect on her actions moving forward.
What started as a simple wardrobe request escalated into a significant diplomatic incident, overshadowing the intended purpose of Harry and Meghan’s tour.
Questions linger about their commitment to culturally sensitive representation on the global stage.
As for Meghan’s future in Latin America, it remains uncertain.
The fallout from this blunder has left a mark, and whether she will be welcomed back anytime soon is debatable.
One thing is clear: Francia Marquez is unafraid to stand up for her people, and she has made her stance known loud and clear.
