Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have initiated their second “royal” tour since stepping down from official duties. After their controversial trip to Nigeria a few months ago, which reportedly caused tension within the royal family, the couple has now traveled to Bogota, Colombia. Here, they intend to support initiatives that protect children from online harm. Upon arrival, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were welcomed by Vice President Francia Márquez, and it didn’t take long for their visit to become the focus of media attention.
Concerns Over Harry and Meghan’s Colombia Visit
Despite the noble cause behind their trip, the couple has faced considerable criticism. A body language expert observed that Prince Harry appeared somewhat unhappy at certain moments during the visit. Additionally, the couple has been scrutinized for bringing their children on the journey, and questions have arisen about their true intentions. Just before they landed in Bogota, insiders speculated whether Harry and Meghan were entirely transparent about the purpose of their visit.
A Contrast to Their Desire for Privacy
After leaving the royal family, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle expressed a desire for a more private life, eventually settling in Montecito, California. Their new home, often referred to as “Fort Knox,” contrasts sharply with the highly public life they once led. Nevertheless, their recent activities suggest that they may have missed certain aspects of their former royal duties.
In May, they made headlines with their three-day visit to Nigeria, where they promoted causes like the Invictus Games and mental health awareness. Despite the private nature of the visit, they were received with the pomp typically reserved for official royal tours. However, not everyone was pleased with their presence in the West African nation. Critics accused the Sussexes of undermining the royal family’s ties to the Commonwealth and playing the “royal card.”
Expert Opinions on the Sussexes’ “Royal” Activities
Royal experts have been vocal about their concerns. Tom Bower suggested that Harry and Meghan’s actions are an attempt to maintain a royal presence despite their departure from official duties. Phil Dampier, another royal commentator, pointed out the irony in the Sussexes’ actions, noting that while they previously criticized the Commonwealth, they now seem eager to engage with it on their terms.
Dampier also suggested that Prince William and King Charles are deeply concerned about the implications of Harry and Meghan’s activities. According to him, their visit to Nigeria, in particular, raised fears that the Sussexes might be trying to establish a “rival court” and continue their royal roles independently.
The Latest Controversy: Colombia Visit Under Scrutiny
The current trip to Colombia has not escaped similar scrutiny. Although it did not involve a Commonwealth country, the couple has already been criticized for their presence in South America. Their visit was arranged after an invitation from Vice President Francia Márquez, who was reportedly inspired by the Netflix series about their lives. The focus of the trip is on cyberbullying, a cause that resonates with the Sussexes, who have faced significant online harassment.
Campaigning for a Safer Internet
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s work on cyberbullying reflects their commitment to making the internet a safer place, especially for children. Recently, they launched the Parents’ Network, aimed at supporting parents whose children have been harmed by social media. During their first day in Bogota, the couple visited a school to discuss the impact of social media with students and later spoke at a summit on digital responsibility, co-hosted by their Archewell Foundation. Harry emphasized the importance of discerning truth from falsehood online, warning of the dangers that misinformation can cause.
Body Language Observations and Public Reactions
As the couple engaged with the local community, body language expert Judi James noted some intriguing aspects of Prince Harry’s demeanor. She observed that Harry appeared to adopt a stance reminiscent of his brother, Prince William, which might suggest a desire to avoid asserting royal authority. James also remarked that while Meghan displayed a confident and consistent presence, Harry’s expressions fluctuated, indicating possible discomfort.
Mixed Reactions and Criticism of the Sussexes’ Role
Despite their positive intentions, the Sussexes’ trip to Colombia has been met with mixed reactions. Some have questioned whether their visit is truly beneficial or if it serves as a distraction from the issues faced by the Colombian government. Royal expert Robert Jobson voiced concerns about the couple’s motives, suggesting that their celebrity status might be exploited by the local authorities. Another source echoed this sentiment, warning that Harry and Meghan could be unwittingly manipulated to improve the government’s image.
In light of these concerns, it remains to be seen how the Sussexes will navigate their roles on the global stage. As they continue to champion causes close to their hearts, the scrutiny of their actions suggests that their journey outside the royal family will not be without its challenges.
