In a recent critique, royal expert Victoria Murphy has taken aim at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry‘s trip to Colombia, describing it as lacking direction and purpose.
During an interview with Matt Wilkinson, The Sun’s Royal Editor, she expressed her disbelief over the couple’s current standing in the royal landscape, suggesting they are “clueless” about their role following their exit from royal duties.
Murphy emphasized that unlike working royals, who have clear representation when traveling abroad, the Sussexes appear to be wandering without a defined mission.
She pointed out that when Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, met with Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez, it was evident she represented Britain with a specific agenda.
In stark contrast, Meghan and Harry’s intentions during their visit remain ambiguous.
The royal expert questioned the significance of the trip, noting the lack of clarity surrounding who the couple would meet and what they hoped to achieve.
While their presence undoubtedly generates attention, Murphy argued that the focus seems misplaced and not in line with the interests of the Colombian government or its people.
On the first day of their visit, the couple exchanged gifts with the Vice President and shared breakfast.
Notably, Márquez mentioned that her invitation stemmed from being inspired by the Sussexes’ Netflix documentary.
This revelation raised eyebrows, as it suggested that their celebrity status, rather than any political or social advocacy, was the primary reason for their visit.
Márquez characterized the trip as a unique opportunity to foster collaboration against cyberbullying and promote women’s leadership in Colombia.
However, Murphy highlighted a disconnect between these lofty goals and the pressing concerns faced by ordinary Colombians, who are grappling with poverty and crime.
With nearly half the population living on or below the poverty line, issues like cyberbullying seem far removed from their daily struggles.
While the couple’s new initiative, The Parents Network, aims to address critical issues, Murphy pondered whether they could have made a more significant impact had they approached it as working royals.
She noted that their efforts often come across as scattered, which may hinder their ability to resonate with the public.
Murphy also critiqued Harry and Meghan’s approach to technology, pointing out that their advice to children about being self-reliant rather than tech-reliant seemed misguided.
In today’s digital age, reliance on technology is essential for navigating life, making their message appear out of touch.
Describing the Colombian tour as “baffling and random,” Murphy questioned the rationale behind the trip.
She contrasted it with their previous visit to Nigeria, which had a clear focus on the Invictus Games.
The vagueness of their current mission left many wondering what exactly they aimed to achieve in Colombia.
The expert speculated that the couple’s choice of Colombia was influenced by their desire for a glamorous image rather than a genuine commitment to addressing pressing issues in the country.
The Vice President’s enthusiasm for their Netflix project might have played a role in the invitation, raising questions about the authenticity of their engagement.
In the end, Murphy’s assessment paints a picture of a couple struggling to find their footing in a world where their royal status no longer holds the same weight.
The lack of a coherent message and purpose during this trip only amplifies the perception that they are lost and disconnected from the realities facing the people they aim to support.
As the Sussexes continue their journey post-royalty, it remains to be seen whether they can redefine their roles and effectively advocate for the causes they claim to champion.
For now, the Colombia trip serves as a stark reminder of the challenges they face in navigating their new path.
