PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle are trying to become “world leaders” with their “faux royal tour”, an expert has claimed.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed a new trip to Colombia following an invitation by the country’s Vice President Francia Márquez – just months after the pair’s “memorable” visit to Nigeria.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to visit Columbia this summerCredit: Getty
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Harry and Meghan during their visit to Nigeria in May
It is understood Harry and Meghan will jet over this summer in November when their schedule will include trips to capital Bogotá, and Pacific regions Cartagena and Cali.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun that he believes this tour may become a way of boosting the Sussexes’ profile – possibly with the goal of Meghan launching a political career.
He said: “The facts are that Harry and Meghan must have future ambitions that we don’t know about – or at least I strongly suspect that they do.
“It won’t just be programmes and lifestyle brands. There will be something more.
“They turned down the opportunity of being senior working royals and there they could have done a very great deal of good for those who are less fortunate.”
He believes that the Sussexes were “clearly” doing this to “enlarge their profile” because they know the press will follow them on the tour.
Mr Fitzwilliams said: “It won’t be long before [Meghan] endorses Kamala Harris, and hopes, possibly, conceivably that might lead to – this has been talked about for years – some form of political career for her possibly in future years.”
The royal expert also said that the Sussexes are pursuing some “very worthy” causes.
But he added: “There are double standards when the Sussexes are concerned.”
He said it reminded him of an episode of comedy cartoon South Park which parodied Harry and Meghan doing a “worldwide privacy tour”.
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Mr Fitzwilliams said: “The idea… that they’re world leaders, simply because their charity was founded a couple of years ago, I mean, that obviously is nonsensical.”
The couple will be visiting Colombia, which has a reputation for being unsafe, with official British channels warning that it is plagued by kidnapping, drugs, organised crime and terrorism.
Harry and Meghan will be raising awareness of the dangers young people face on the internet during their trip to the country.
Harry has previously said he was unable to return to Britain with Meghan, Archie and Lilibet “because it is too dangerous” as a result of his security being downgraded.
Royal expert Mr Fitzwilliams claimed that it appeared “hypocritical” that the couple were prepared to tour Colombia following claims that Britain was too dangerous.
But while Harry’s gripe UK safety revolves around a lack of police protection, his visit to Colombia will likely see him guarded by a full security detail alongside the nation’s Vice President.
Mr Fitzwilliams said: “If Harry hadn’t made the comments about Britain being dangerous or words to that effect, since he has, the optics are very weird.”
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Colombia’s police and military take part at the aftermath of a grenade attack against a police station in Poterito, Jamundi, Colombia on May 12, 2024Credit: Long Visual Press/Universal Imag
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Harry and Meghan arrive at the Lagos airport for Official State Welcome on May 12, 2024 in Lagos, NigeriaCredit: Getty
According to the British Government website, terrorists are “very likely” to attempt attacks in Colombia, and many “armed groups remain active throughout” the country.
And kidnapping rates “remain high in Colombia”, with illegal armed groups taking hostages for both ransom and political purposes, according to Gov.uk.
“Drugs, organised crime and terrorism are inextricably linked in Colombia,” the official site warns.
It adds: “Pickpocketing, mugging and armed robbery are a problem, especially in major cities, including Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and the Caribbean coast.
“British nationals have been robbed at gunpoint in the Candelaria area of Bogotá and across many cities in Colombia.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advises against all but essential travel to parts of Colombia.
The Duke of Sussex’s round-the-clock royal protection was downgraded in the wake of Megxit.
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Duke of Sussex Prince Harry his wife Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, visit the Lightway Academy in Abuja, NigeriaCredit: Getty
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Prison guards patrol the perimeters of the Modelo prison, in Bogota, Colombia
He and Meghan are set to “experience the rich heritage of Colombia” in a meaningful visit shortly before a conference on ending violence against children is held there.
Francia Márquez previously said of the planned trip: “I am pleased to announce that Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have kindly accepted my invitation to visit our beautiful country.
“During their trip, The Duke and Duchess will join me in visiting Bogotá, as well as the Caribbean and Pacific regions of Cartagena and Cali.
“In these vibrant locations, they will have the exceptional opportunity to engage with leaders, youth, and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians committed to progress.
“Their visit comes at a particularly significant time, as it precedes the first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, to be held in Colombia this November.
“The Archewell Foundation, founded by The Duke and Duchess, is renowned for its global leadership in fostering a safer online environment.
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Police officers and civilians look at the scene next to a damaged police van after the explosion of a device left on a motorcycle in Jamundi, Valle del Cauca province, Colombia, on June 12Credit: AFP
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Prince Harry and Meghan attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre on July 11, 2024 in Hollywood, CaliforniaCredit: Getty
“The forthcoming conference will unveil a comprehensive framework for creating safer physical and digital spaces, tackling issues such as cyberbullying, online exploitation, and the mental health impacts of these threats.
“It will offer actionable solutions and commitments for countries around the world.”
Vice President Márquez added she is “confident” the Sussexes’ visit will “illuminate Colombia’s role as a beacon of culture and innovation”.
It will be Harry and Meghan’s second “faux royal tour” after visiting Nigeria in May.
The couple spent three days in the West African country, meeting with locals and leaders.
While there, they unveiled a partnership between their Archewell Foundation and the non-profit Giants of Africa, which aims to empower young people through sport.
The couple soon jetted back to the United States after they watched a charity exhibition match at Lagos Polo Club.
Prior to that, Harry, 39, had enjoyed a game of basketball with a group of Nigerian youngsters.
