Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent visit to Colombia has turned into a whirlwind of controversy, marked by a glaring snub from the nation’s leadership.

As the Sussexes embarked on their four-day tour, they were welcomed warmly by Vice President Francia Marquez, but President Gustavo Petro’s refusal to meet them cast a long shadow over the trip.

Despite being based in Bogota, Petro chose to remain absent, sending a clear message that not everyone was eager to roll out the red carpet for the royal couple.

The visit kicked off with all the fanfare expected for such notable guests.

Meghan made headlines by wearing Princess Diana’s famous earrings, a gesture aimed at evoking a sense of royal nostalgia.

However, this attempt to connect with the past did little to sway public sentiment, as the couple’s arrival quickly spiraled into a series of missteps.

On the second day, Harry and Meghan visited Colegio Legado in Santa Fe, where they interacted with local students, planted trees, and took part in art activities.

What should have been a heartwarming experience was marred by a significant blunder.

The children had been led to believe they would meet James Rodriguez, a beloved football star, but instead found themselves face to face with the Sussexes, whose star power failed to meet local expectations.

The public response has been overwhelmingly negative, especially given the president’s conspicuous absence.

President Petro’s decision not to meet with the royal visitors is being interpreted as a deliberate diplomatic snub, reflecting a broader sense of disdain.

When a head of state chooses not to engage with international figures, it sends a powerful message about their perceived worth.

The frustration among Colombians has been palpable, with many taking to social media to voice their discontent.

Translations of critical remarks reveal a torrent of harsh judgments directed at the couple, labeling them as opportunistic celebrities and questioning Meghan’s qualifications.

One particularly pointed remark bluntly asked, “What’s Meghan Markle’s merit?

Marrying a prince?” Such sentiments underscore a widespread belief that the visit is a misuse of resources in a country facing significant challenges.

In Colombia, where nearly half of the population lives in poverty, the sight of Meghan’s lavish $72,000 wardrobe has sparked outrage.

The stark contrast between the couple’s wealth and the struggles of ordinary Colombians has only intensified public resentment.

Many are left wondering why such opulence is on display when so many are struggling to make ends meet.

Adding fuel to the fire are the exorbitant security costs tied to the visit.

The Sussexes’ 15-car convoy and extensive security measures are being funded by Colombian taxpayers, raising eyebrows and igniting questions about the fairness of such expenditures.

Why should citizens bear the financial burden of protecting private individuals who aren’t even representing an official government or institution?

Critics argue that the couple’s presence fails to address Colombia’s pressing issues, viewing the visit as more of a self-serving publicity stunt than a genuine philanthropic endeavor.

The socioeconomic realities of Colombia amplify this discontent, with extreme poverty affecting about 11.4% of the population and the wealthiest 10% claiming nearly 40% of the national income.

In this context, the Sussexes’ display of wealth comes across as not just out of touch but profoundly insensitive.

As the dust settles on Harry and Meghan’s Colombian tour, it’s clear that their attempt to project an image of goodwill has backfired spectacularly.

The significant diplomatic snub from President Petro, coupled with widespread public dissatisfaction, has overshadowed any positive intentions they may have had.