Harry and Meghan’s recent tour of South America has sparked quite the conversation, and not all of it is positive.
Kicking off their whirlwind trip in Colombia, the couple aimed to promote next year’s Invictus Games.
However, many observers felt that this visit resembled more of a performative act than a sincere effort to connect with the local community.
Upon their arrival, the royal couple received a warm welcome from Colombia’s Vice President, Francia Marquez.
She seemed genuinely excited, as did many others, to see the pair.
But amid the applause and fanfare, Meghan was quick to showcase her fashion prowess, sporting a pair of Princess Diana‘s iconic earrings on day two.
This choice seemed less about tribute and more about a reminder of her self-made royal status.
As the couple toured Colegio La Giralda in Santa Fe, it became clear that Meghan was intent on being the center of attention.
The visit felt like a scene lifted from an awkward charity gala, where the stars posed for photos while engaging in staged activities.
Meghan helped a young girl named Manuela plant a walnut tree, while Harry enthusiastically tackled a guava tree, a native species.
It was a moment that seemed designed to tug at heartstrings but felt more like a fleeting photo op.
The couple’s attempts to connect with the local children came off as superficial.
Meghan even made a point to bond with a girl the same age as her son, Archie, as if that shared age could somehow bridge their vastly different worlds.
Meanwhile, Harry struggled through his Spanish, asking students their names and ages, clearly feeling the weight of the language barrier.
However, the most glaring issue was the apparent bait-and-switch that left many disappointed.
The children had been led to believe they would meet renowned football star James Rodriguez, only to find themselves face-to-face with two unfamiliar royals.
Their disinterest was palpable; it was evident that the excitement surrounding the visit quickly faded when reality set in.
Critics have pointed out that this disconnect reveals a troubling detachment from the realities faced by these children.
The royal couple’s efforts to present themselves as caring figures fell flat, as it became clear that controlling the narrative was their primary goal.
Instead of genuine engagement, the focus seemed to be on crafting a polished Instagram image.
Moreover, the exclusion of outside media further fueled suspicions that the visit was less about meaningful interaction and more about maintaining a carefully curated public persona.
Meghan and Harry’s actions seemed to speak volumes, suggesting that their philanthropic facade was merely a strategy to avoid scrutiny while projecting an image of altruism.
The Vice President’s participation in this spectacle raised eyebrows as well.
By endorsing the couple’s scripted performance, she risked her own credibility, appearing complicit in what many viewed as a publicity stunt rather than a serious engagement with important issues.
Disappointment among the children was evident, with critics noting how they had expected a thrilling encounter with a sports icon but instead found themselves with a pair of royals who felt out of touch.
It’s no surprise that the kids looked bored; who wouldn’t feel let down when promised a celebrity and instead greeted by self-important figures?
Ultimately, Harry and Meghan’s Colombian adventure has been criticized as a scam, transforming what could have been an impactful visit into yet another opportunity for self-promotion.
The outcome?
A room full of disenchanted children, a media blackout, and a growing skepticism surrounding the couple’s charitable intentions.
