In a surprising twist that has caught the attention of people worldwide, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly gearing up for a tour of Colombia, which they’re promoting as a royal visit.
This announcement has ignited a whirlwind of reactions, ranging from enthusiasm in Colombia to skepticism back in the UK.
Many see this as yet another attempt by the Sussexes to leverage their former royal status for personal gain.
Scheduled for November, this tour has been organized at the behest of Colombia’s Vice President, Francia Marquez.
She expressed her delight in welcoming the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, stating, “As the Vice President of Colombia and Minister for Equality and Equity, I’m pleased to announce that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have kindly accepted my invitation to visit our beautiful country.” However, the use of the term “royal tour” has sparked criticism, especially among royal watchers who feel it undermines the significance of such titles.
Critics argue that Harry and Meghan’s insistence on calling this trip a royal tour is somewhat contradictory, given their decision to step away from royal duties.
Observers have drawn comparisons between Harry and his great-great-uncle, the Duke of Windsor, who also sought to maintain his royal title while living in exile.
This historical parallel raises eyebrows about the couple’s current motivations and whether they are truly in touch with the realities of their situation.
Moreover, the financial implications of the trip have not gone unnoticed.
Known for their luxurious lifestyle, the Sussexes are expected to indulge in first-class travel, upscale accommodations, and designer outfits during their stay.
This leads to pressing questions about the funding of the tour and what tangible benefits Colombia can expect from hosting the couple.
The primary aim appears to be enhancing Colombia’s tourism profile by drawing global attention, but at what cost?
Back in the UK, the reception to this news has been less than warm.
Senior members of the British monarchy reportedly disapprove of the Sussexes’ latest venture, viewing it as a challenge to the very fabric of royal duties.
The notion of conducting a royal tour without palace approval further complicates the already strained relationship between Harry, Meghan, and the royal family.
This isn’t the first time Harry and Meghan have attempted to stage a tour reminiscent of their royal days.
Earlier this year, they visited Nigeria in a bid to replicate the royal tour experience.
While that trip may have garnered some positive press, the overall reception was tepid, raising doubts about the potential success of their Colombian escapade.
The couple’s strategy of utilizing their former royal status for both personal and philanthropic purposes seems to be a double-edged sword.
On one hand, it keeps them relevant and supports their initiatives, like the Archule Foundation.
On the other hand, it opens them up to criticism and accusations of being out of touch with reality, especially when their foundation faces issues such as delayed tax returns.
As Harry and Meghan prepare for their Colombian journey, the world is left to ponder their motives.
Is this trip a genuine effort to engage with the Colombian people, or merely a publicity stunt designed to keep them in the limelight?
Many are watching closely, curious to see how this chapter unfolds in their post-royal narrative.
The couple’s attempts to maintain their royal titles while distancing themselves from royal responsibilities only add fuel to the fire of public debate.
Whether this tour will prove to be a successful endeavor or yet another misstep in their journey remains uncertain.
One thing is clear: Harry and Meghan’s actions continue to generate buzz and controversy wherever they go.