In a surprising turn of events, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have announced plans for an unofficial tour of Colombia this November.
The trip, which comes at the personal invitation of Colombia’s Vice President Francia Marquez, has sparked intense discussions among royal watchers and commentators.
This visit follows the couple’s previous trip to Nigeria in May, which was labeled by some as a faux royal tour due to its regal nature, despite lacking official royal backing.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams weighed in on the situation during an interview with The Sun.
He suggested that Harry and Meghan’s upcoming visit could complicate matters for the British royal family.
Fitzwilliams pointed out that the couple often draws considerable media attention, which might overshadow the royal family’s activities.
“When you have former senior working members of the royal family doing what the royal family would like to do, it does create difficulties,” he stated.
The unpredictability of the Sussexes is a source of concern for the monarchy.
Fitzwilliams emphasized that the royal family has struggled to maintain their public presence, especially following health concerns affecting key members.
Princess Kate and King Charles faced significant health issues earlier this year, leaving a gap that other royals have found challenging to fill.
“The institution needs this oxygen,” he remarked, referring to the media spotlight that often follows Harry and Meghan.
Many courtiers reportedly feel uneasy about the potential for the Sussexes to steal the limelight.
A former courtier expressed worry over the couple’s actions, suggesting they demonstrate a lack of respect for the king and traditional royal protocols.
Royal tours are typically associated with diplomacy and fostering international relationships on behalf of the UK, and this unofficial visit appears to diverge from that norm.
The choice of Colombia as a destination has raised eyebrows, particularly given its history of high crime rates and ongoing civil unrest.
Both the UK and US governments have issued travel advisories for the country, warning of risks such as terrorism and kidnapping.
This has led to confusion, especially considering Prince Harry’s recent comments regarding the dangers of traveling to the UK with his family.
Charles Ray, a royal commentator, expressed disbelief at the Sussexes’ decision to go to Colombia.
Speaking to GB News, he said, “I can’t quite believe it.
Yesterday when I heard the news, I had to check the calendar to make sure it wasn’t April 1st.” He highlighted that the UK Foreign Office advises against travel to certain areas in Colombia, including Cali, one of the locations on the couple’s itinerary.
Ray further pointed out the inconsistency in Harry’s stance.
“This guy is fighting Britain because he says it’s too dangerous for him to bring his wife here, but now they’re going to Colombia, which has its own set of risks,” he noted.
While he acknowledged that the couple has extensive security measures in place, he nonetheless described the situation as “ridiculous.”
As the couple prepares for their Colombian adventure, both the royal family and commentators will be closely monitoring the developments.
The dynamics within the royal family could shift significantly based on how this unofficial tour unfolds and the public’s perception of it.
The announcement has certainly stirred up a whirlwind of opinions, and many are eager to see how the Sussexes navigate this complex landscape.
With the royal family already dealing with various challenges, the timing of the tour raises even more questions about the future of royal engagements.
What are your thoughts on this upcoming tour?
The debate is heating up, and it seems like everyone has an opinion.
As we await further developments, it’s clear that this story is far from over.
Keep an eye out for updates as the situation evolves, and let’s see how Harry and Meghan’s Colombian journey plays out.
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