In a stunning rebuke, Colombia’s Vice President Francia Marquez has declared that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are no longer welcome in the country, dismissing their royal titles with palpable disdain.
This declaration comes on the heels of the couple’s recent visit, which was intended to foster better diplomatic relations but instead ignited resentment among Colombian officials.
Local media reports reveal that the security costs associated with hosting the Duke and Duchess were astronomical, amounting to approximately £1.5 million or around 8 billion Colombian pesos.
To put this into perspective, that figure is comparable to the annual budgets of some small municipalities in Colombia.
Unsurprisingly, this hefty price tag has sparked outrage, leading Marquez to voice her incredulity on live television.
Marquez didn’t hold back as she criticized the couple’s audacity in expecting taxpayers to foot the bill for their extravagant security needs.
“There are far more pressing issues at hand,” she asserted, emphasizing that the welfare of Colombian citizens must take precedence over catering to the whims of self-proclaimed royals.
The Vice President was particularly incensed about the extensive security measures that accompanied the Sussexes’ visit, which included the deployment of 3,000 police and military personnel, helicopters, sniffer dogs, and bomb disposal units.
She lamented that such resources, which could have been used to benefit the people of Colombia, were diverted to ensure the safety of two privileged individuals.
Marquez’s comments sent shockwaves through the international community, especially when she boldly proclaimed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are permanently banned from ever visiting Colombia again.
Her message was crystal clear: the country will not indulge their perceived entitlement.
“You shall not be welcomed on our shores,” she stated emphatically, underscoring that the needs of the Colombian people are far more critical than any royal visit.
The global reaction to Marquez’s remarks has been mixed.
While many have praised her for standing up to what they see as royal entitlement, others have cautioned that her words could jeopardize diplomatic relations between Colombia and the UK.
Despite the backlash, Marquez remains firm, arguing that the Sussexes’ trip was merely a publicity stunt that diverted essential resources away from pressing social and economic issues in Colombia.
The Vice President pointed out that the focus should be on urgent matters such as child hunger, access to clean water, and the fragile peace process in the country.
She emphasized that while the Sussexes arrived with an extensive security team, the reality is that Colombia is grappling with far more significant challenges that demand attention.
Marquez made it abundantly clear that Colombia is not a playground for the royal couple.
Their priorities, she insisted, lie in addressing the fundamental needs of their citizens rather than accommodating the luxurious demands of visiting dignitaries.
The sentiment among Colombians is unmistakable: they seek sustenance, safety, and a brighter future, regardless of any royal entourage.
As the dust settles on this diplomatic spat, speculation abounds regarding how Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will respond.
Some theorize that they might issue a public apology or even contribute financially to offset the security expenses incurred during their visit.
However, given their history of defiance, there’s also a chance they may disregard the criticism altogether and continue with their high-profile engagements as if nothing happened.
Regardless of their next steps, the Colombian populace has made its stance clear.
The Vice President’s firm position serves as a reminder that true leadership is not defined by titles or privilege, but by a genuine commitment to serving the needs of the people.
In a world rife with inequality and injustice, Marquez’s unwavering resolve underscores the importance of prioritizing the welfare of citizens over royal expectations.