Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have embarked on their highly publicized tour of Colombia, but the royal couple’s arrival has been anything but warm.
Instead of a cheerful welcome, they encountered palpable displeasure from locals, with audible boos marking their entrance.
It appears the Sussexes may not be the beloved figures they envisioned themselves to be in this vibrant South American nation.
The backlash against their visit has been amplified on social media, where many Colombians have taken to platforms like X to voice their frustration.
A significant portion of this criticism is directed towards Colombian Vice President Fran Marquez, who has faced backlash for extending the invitation to the couple.
For many, the presence of Harry and Meghan feels like an unwelcome distraction from the pressing issues that Colombia grapples with daily.
Royal commentator Robert Jobson hit the nail on the head when he remarked that Colombians seem perplexed by the visit.
He posed the question: are the Sussexes here to offer genuine help?
According to Jobson, their arrival seems less about providing aid and more about drawing attention to themselves, overshadowing the real challenges the country faces.
Adding to the controversy is the ongoing speculation regarding who is covering the costs associated with the couple’s security and lavish accommodations.
As their visit unfolds, concerns about the financial implications of hosting such high-profile guests linger in the air.
In a surprising defense of her decision, Vice President Marquez expressed that she was inspired by the Sussexes’ narrative as portrayed on Netflix.
She argued that Meghan, as a woman with a compelling story, deserves to visit Colombia.
However, critics are left wondering if such sentiments justify inviting a couple with a history of controversies to a nation already dealing with its own struggles.
Security measures surrounding the Sussexes’ visit have been nothing short of extraordinary.
Streets are lined with police vehicles and armed soldiers, creating a heavily fortified environment.
Local residents now face roadblocks and detours, complicating their daily lives just to reach their homes.
This extensive security presence is partly a response to threats against Vice President Marquez, adding another layer of complexity to the royal couple’s trip.
In a move that has raised eyebrows, Harry and Meghan have publicly shared their detailed itinerary.
Critics argue this transparency not only jeopardizes their safety but also highlights a troubling trend of prioritizing publicity over practical security measures.
Their actions suggest a fixation on self-promotion that clashes with their stated concerns about safety.
During their time in Colombia, the Sussexes are set to engage with various organizations and youth groups.
They will also continue their work with their charitable foundation and participate in discussions at a local school.
While these activities appear well-planned to enhance their public image, some skeptics dismiss them as mere facade rather than genuine efforts to make a difference.
Among the scheduled events is a summit aimed at promoting positive online environments.
However, this initiative has met with skepticism from critics who suspect that their commitment to digital civility is more about silencing dissent than fostering authentic change.
The Sussexes’ actions often seem at odds with their public statements, raising questions about their true motivations.
As the couple navigates their Colombian tour, it remains to be seen how they will address the growing discontent among locals.