Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have revealed a series of donations made to local communities in Colombia following their recent tour of the country. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced that they provided drum sets, enhancements to learning environments, and upgrades to a ‘socio-emotional gym’ as part of their efforts to give back during their visit. The couple’s philanthropic gestures were shared alongside a newly released video montage showcasing their activities in Colombia, where they were seen engaging with local communities and Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez.
Through their charity, The Archewell Foundation, Harry and Meghan emphasized their commitment to making a positive impact, stating that their goal is to “show up and do good, no matter where we are in the world.” The drum sets were donated to Escuela Tambores de Cabildo, a local school where the couple participated in a drumming lesson. Additionally, funds have been allocated to upgrade a ‘secure environment for local children to explore, learn, and connect’ in San Basilio de Palenque, and to expand the ‘socio-emotional gym program’ at Colegio La Giralda school.
The Sussexes highlighted that these donations are part of their broader mission to “make strides toward a more equitable and compassionate world,” with a focus on uplifting and empowering individuals and communities. The enhancements to the learning environment at San Basilio de Palenque are intended to provide local children with safe and supportive spaces to pursue their education. Meanwhile, the expansion of the socio-emotional gym aims to foster core childhood skills such as conflict resolution and emotional resilience.
Despite their charitable efforts, Harry and Meghan faced backlash over the alleged $1.5 million security cost for their tour, a significant amount in a country where many live below the poverty line. The security arrangements reportedly included 3,000 police officers and soldiers, helicopters, sniffer dogs, bomb disposal units, and a guard equipped with a bulletproof shield. The expenses sparked outrage among some locals, with critics arguing that the funds could have been better utilized to address pressing social issues.
Responding to the criticism, Colombian officials clarified that Harry and Meghan covered their own travel expenses, with additional funding for the tour provided by international agencies. The Colombian Ministry of Equality and Equity confirmed in a statement: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex financed their trip and that of their team with their own resources.”
The video released by the couple offers a glimpse into their time in Colombia, showing them dancing with local children, addressing crowds, and visiting culturally significant sites. Their tour began in Bogotá, where they shared a meal of traditional Colombian cheese bread, pan de bono, with Vice President Márquez. Throughout their visit, the Sussexes immersed themselves in the local culture and spent considerable time with schoolchildren, with Meghan even drawing a personal connection between one student and their five-year-old son, Archie.
While their visit has sparked debate, the couple remains focused on their charitable mission, using their platform to support and uplift communities around the world through The Archewell Foundation.
