Francia Marquez, Colombia’s vice president, has issued a bold call for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to cover the hefty expenses incurred during their recent visit to the country.

The royal couple’s trip, which was meant to shine a light on pressing social issues, has sparked controversy due to the reported cost of just £45,000 (approximately $70,000).

This figure has been met with skepticism and backlash, as many believe it grossly underestimates the actual financial burden of such a high-profile visit.

The uproar began when details emerged revealing that the costs associated with the Sussexes’ trip were significantly higher than the official figures suggested.

Critics have pointed out that the listed amount is far too low to account for the extensive security protocols, accommodations, and logistical arrangements necessary for a visit of this magnitude.

Adding fuel to the fire, it appears that Harry and Meghan were not officially invited by the Colombian government and allegedly funded their own journey, raising eyebrows across the nation.

Marquez, already facing scrutiny regarding her political standing, now finds herself at the center of a storm.

The assertion that the entire visit could be conducted for just £45,000 has been met with widespread disbelief.

To put things in perspective, the couple traveled with an entourage exceeding 20 staff members, along with a significant security detail.

Their visit also necessitated coordination with around 3,000 soldiers and various security agencies, not to mention the helicopter transportation between venues.

Given these factors, estimates suggest that the true cost of the visit could reach several million dollars.

What began as a narrative centered on tourism has quickly morphed into a heated debate over the real nature and expense of the trip.

Marquez’s attempt to downplay these costs has ignited outrage among the Colombian public and opposition politicians alike, who are now demanding a detailed accounting of the expenditures.

The backlash against Marquez intensified as it became evident that the declared amount would barely cover basic security needs.

Just the deployment of 3,000 soldiers alone could rack up costs of around $40,000 per day, not even factoring in police security personnel and other logistical necessities.

With the visit lasting four days and three nights, it becomes clear that the claimed £45,000 is woefully inadequate.

This situation has led to rampant speculation about the whereabouts of the real funds, with critics questioning whether money might have been diverted from the UK’s Invictus Games Foundation or other charitable contributions associated with Harry and Meghan.

Such discrepancies in financial reporting raise serious concerns about the integrity of the disclosures related to their tour.

Adding to the drama, the Colombian public has expressed outrage over what they perceive as a misuse of funds.

Protests have erupted, with citizens calling for accountability from both their government and the visiting royals.

This discontent has been further fueled by reports of poorly organized events and subpar accommodations, which have tarnished the visit’s image.

What was intended to be a platform for social good has instead become a symbol of financial mismanagement and political scandal.

The couple’s supposed role in financing their own trip, combined with the ambiguity surrounding the total costs, has only deepened public skepticism.

The fallout from Harry and Meghan’s Colombian excursion is far from finished.

Marquez’s demand for reimbursement underscores significant discrepancies in financial reporting and has sparked a broader conversation about the true costs associated with high-profile visits.