The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s recent visit to Colombia has sparked a wave of controversy, with reports claiming that the security for their four-day trip cost the South American country a staggering £1.5 million (8 billion pesos). Local media reports, which have since been taken down, allege that the cost of ensuring Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s safety included 3,000 police officers and soldiers, helicopters, sniffer dogs, and bomb disposal units, among other resources.
The couple, who were invited by Colombia’s Vice President Francia Márquez, were provided with full security detail throughout their visit. Despite no longer being official working members of the British royal family since stepping down in 2020, the Sussexes’ quasi-royal tour received the same level of security typically reserved for high-ranking dignitaries.
However, the hefty security bill has not gone unnoticed, especially in a country grappling with significant socio-economic challenges. Among the most vocal critics is Andrés Escobar, a right-wing councillor from Cali, the city where Harry and Meghan concluded their visit. Escobar took to social media to condemn the expenditure, retweeting the now-deleted report and expressing his outrage.
“We continue with an ancient practice: handing over our resources in exchange for smoke and mirrors,” Escobar tweeted. “Billions that could have been used to expand coverage of children’s soup kitchens, pay salaries for community mothers, seed capital for Afro communities, or adapt sports venues that are practically in ruins.”
Escobar accused Vice President Márquez of “wasting public money on her vanity” and criticized the use of public funds to accommodate “rich white people” for photo opportunities. His comments reflect a broader frustration among some Colombians, who see the lavish spending on the Sussexes’ visit as a stark contrast to the country’s pressing needs.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex participated in several engagements during their visit, focusing on mental health, cyberbullying, female empowerment, and Colombia’s cultural richness. Despite the positive nature of these events, the timing and cost of their visit have drawn scrutiny, particularly in light of the couple’s ongoing legal battle with the UK government over security arrangements in Britain.
Escobar’s criticism extended to the Colombian government, which he accused of prioritizing high-profile visits over addressing the needs of its citizens. “The country paid almost two million US dollars for the security of this trip, and there are many, many Colombians who are hungry and have a lack of basic needs,” Escobar told the Daily Mail. “They invested this money because the vice president wanted to meet two high-profile public figures and brush aside criticism and problems that we have here through a corrupt government.”
The councillor also highlighted the inconsistency between the current government’s campaign promises to save money and the reality of the lavish spending on the Sussexes’ visit. Escobar further criticized Vice President Márquez for revealing that she invited the couple after watching their Netflix docuseries, “Harry & Meghan,” calling it a “ridiculous” decision.
The Sussexes’ representatives have been contacted for comment but have yet to respond. As the controversy continues to unfold, the debate over the cost and impact of the couple’s visit on Colombia shows no signs of abating.
