In a recent visit to Colombia, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, found herself at the center of a firestorm after Colombian Vice President Francis Marquez condemned her extravagant fashion choices.

The Vice President’s remarks have sent shockwaves through the international community, highlighting the disconnect between the royal and the everyday lives of ordinary Colombians.

The controversy ignited when Meghan was spotted wearing a navy blue Veronica Beard summer suit, complete with tailored trousers and a waistcoat.

To top off her look, she carried a Loro Piano loom handbag valued at an astonishing €120,000 and donned Manolo Blahnik court shoes.

While such an ensemble may be a staple for high-profile events, it raised eyebrows in a nation grappling with significant poverty.

Marquez didn’t mince words during his speech, expressing outrage over Meghan’s luxurious display.

“It is an absolute disgrace that the Duchess of Sussex would flaunt such extravagance in a country where the majority of the population lives in poverty,” he declared.

His words resonated with many who feel that such ostentatiousness is a direct affront to the struggles faced by countless Colombians.

The Vice President further criticized Meghan’s apparent lack of awareness regarding the economic challenges confronting the nation.

“The Duchess has come here claiming to champion the cause of the less fortunate, yet she surrounds herself with the trappings of the elite,” he stated, emphasizing the hypocrisy of her actions.

His comments struck a chord, echoing the frustrations of those who feel marginalized by the wealthy elite.

In response to the backlash, Meghan’s representatives quickly issued a statement defending her choices.

They asserted that the Duchess is genuinely committed to making a positive impact wherever she goes, and her wardrobe selections are not intended to reflect her wealth or status.

According to them, Meghan strives to balance her personal style with her responsibilities as a public figure.

Despite these assurances, the outrage among Colombians only intensified.

Social media platforms buzzed with criticism as users expressed their disappointment over what they perceived as Meghan’s insensitivity to the country’s economic realities.

This isn’t the first time the Duchess has faced scrutiny for her fashion choices while on royal tours.

Back in 2019, during a visit to South Africa, Meghan drew ire for wearing a €13,500 Valentino dress at a formal reception, which many saw as tone-deaf given the context of the nation’s poverty.

Similarly, her choice of designer outfits during a tour of Australia and New Zealand in 2018, including a €1,200 Givenchy dress, sparked backlash as well.

These recurring incidents have fueled a growing narrative that Meghan is out of touch with the daily struggles of ordinary people.

Critics argue that her recent behavior in Colombia only exacerbates this perception, raising questions about the royal family’s role in addressing issues of inequality and poverty.

Political scientist Dr. Amelia Hatfield weighed in on the situation, suggesting that the royal family needs to be more mindful of how their actions are perceived, especially in nations where poverty is prevalent.

She argued that Meghan’s outfit choice was not just inappropriate but also failed to acknowledge the pressing issues facing the Colombian populace.

Dr. Hatfield’s views reflect a broader sentiment among commentators and activists who advocate for a more empathetic approach from the royal family.

They stress the importance of prioritizing substance over style in public engagements, particularly in contexts that demand sensitivity and awareness.

As the dust settles on this controversy, there seems to be a consensus that both Meghan and the royal family must take proactive steps to address perceptions of elitism.

This incident could serve as a pivotal moment for the Duchess, offering her a chance to reflect on her actions and recommit to the principles of compassion and service.

In the end, the path forward will hinge on Meghan’s willingness to learn from this experience and engage meaningfully with the communities she aims to support.

By adopting a more relatable and humble approach, she could foster deeper connections and rebuild trust with those she seeks to serve, not just in Colombia, but globally.