Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are embarking on a highly publicized visit to Colombia, marking their second international tour of 2024. Invited by Vice President Francia Márquez, the former Duke and Duchess of Sussex are set to engage in a series of events focused on cyberbullying, online exploitation, and mental health.
However, even before it started, the visit was already steeped in controversy both due to internal issues within their team and the political implications of their host.
The Sussexes' invitation came directly from Vice President Márquez, a figure known for her advocacy for marginalized communities but also one who has faced her own share of controversies.
Francia Márquez, a complicated figure
Márquez, who made history as Colombia's first Black female vice president, has been a polarizing figure in Colombian politics. Her tenure has been marked by fierce criticism from opponents who question her handling of various social issues.
Márquez has been deeply criticized this week for her comments regarding the situation in neighboring Venezuela, where the Maduro government claims to have won but has so far refused to present backing data and has launched an unprecedented repression campaign that has led to 2,000 new political prisoners, including 100 minors. "I don't know who won because I wasn't there," Márquez said.
This backdrop of political tension has only added to the scrutiny surrounding Harry and Meghan's visit, which some observers view as an attempt by Márquez to leverage the couple's global fame to bolster her own political image. Critics argue that the Sussexes may be inadvertently embroiled in Colombia's complex political landscape, risking their reputation in the process.
Internal Struggles in the Sussex Camp
Compounding the political challenges, Harry and Meghan are dealing with internal turmoil, as reports emerged that Josh Kettler, a key member of their staff, abruptly resigned just days before their departure to Colombia. Kettler, who had been seen as a pivotal figure in managing the couple's recent initiatives, including their trip to Nigeria earlier this year, left under mysterious circumstances. This departure is the latest in a string of high-profile exits from the Sussexes' team, raising questions about the stability and management within their Archewell Foundation.
This internal disruption has cast a shadow over the visit, with many wondering how it might impact the effectiveness of their engagements in Colombia. The couple's team has been critical in navigating the complex logistics and security requirements of their international appearances, and Kettler's absence could pose significant challenges.
Harry and Meghan in Colombia
According to the official agenda, their visit comes ahead of the first World Ministerial Conference on the Elimination of Violence Against Children, taking place in Colombia this November. Meghan and Prince Harry will spent the first two days in Bogotá, where they'll visit with students to highlight emotional well-being in education, attend a luncheon hosted by Vice President Márquez and get together with Colombia's Invictus Games competitors.
Colombia was the first South American country to join Prince Harry's adaptive sports event for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans, competing at the Düsseldorf Invictus Games in September 2023. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will also visit Cartagena and Cali during their trip.
Not the First Royals to Visit Colombia
While this is Prince Harry and Meghan's first visit to Colombia, they are not the first royals to set foot in the country. King Charles III, then Prince of Wales, and Queen Camilla visited Colombia in 2014, making them the most senior British royals to visit the South American nation. Their tour, which included stops in Bogotá and Cartagena, was part of a broader Latin American diplomatic mission.
More recently, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, visited Colombia in 2023. Her visit focused on women's rights and the United Nations' Women, Peace, and Security agenda, which mirrors some of the themes Harry and Meghan are expected to address during their stay.
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