The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, are gearing up for a significant tour of Colombia.
Scheduled to visit Bogota, Cartagena, and Cali, the trip comes just ahead of the first global ministerial conference aimed at ending violence against children.
This event aligns closely with the goals of their Archwell Foundation, which focuses on cyberbullying and online safety.
However, the couple’s intentions have raised eyebrows among royal insiders.
While the official narrative suggests that Harry and Meghan intend to engage with leaders, youth, and women who represent the aspirations of Colombians, some critics question the authenticity of their motives.
An anonymous royal source shared concerns with The Blast, stating, “This tour may well have the noblest intentions, but it is clearly not being carried out on behalf of Britain.
And yet they still basically portray themselves as British royals.” This sentiment underscores the ongoing tension between the Sussexes and the royal family.
Adding to the skepticism is Prince Harry’s past reluctance to return to the UK without state-funded security for his family.
Critics point out the apparent contradiction in his decision to travel to Colombia, a country currently under a UK Foreign Office advisory against all but essential travel.
Royal author Angela Levin voiced her concerns on GB News, highlighting the dangers present in Colombia, where kidnappings for ransom have been reported.
“It is dangerous there, Colombia, at the moment,” she remarked, suggesting that the couple’s choice to visit could be seen as reckless.
Levin further implied that Meghan and Harry are attempting to manipulate the royal family, a narrative that has persisted since their departure from royal duties in 2020.
This manipulation theory seems to gain traction amid their upcoming trip, particularly given the couple’s penchant for high-profile appearances.
In a bizarre twist, rumors have surfaced that Meghan and Harry might don costumes reminiscent of the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh during their Colombian visit.
Such a move has drawn sharp criticism from royal commentators, who deem it disrespectful.
One expert stated, “The idea of Meghan and Harry dressing up as the Queen and Prince Philip is just absurd and disrespectful.” This commentary reflects a broader concern about the couple’s relationship with the monarchy.
The alleged cosplay incident isn’t the first time the Sussexes have faced backlash for seemingly exploiting their royal ties.
Earlier this year, their visit to Nigeria was met with similar criticism, as many viewed it as an attempt to maintain public relevance.
The recurring theme of using royal status for personal gain has become a hallmark of their post-royal life.
As the couple prepares for their Colombia tour, the scrutiny surrounding them only intensifies.
Many are curious about how they will balance their desire for independence with the expectations that come with their royal lineage.
The media is poised to dissect every aspect of their journey, eager to report on how they handle the mounting criticism.
Amidst all the controversy, the Sussexes continue to navigate a complex landscape of public perception and personal ambition.
Their actions will undoubtedly be analyzed, and reactions from the public and royal observers will shape the narrative surrounding their tour.
With each step they take, Harry and Meghan seem to be walking a tightrope, trying to assert their independence while still being tethered to their royal past.
