It comes as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s latest tour in Colombia in August sparked backlash after it was reported that it cost the country a whooping £1.5 million (8billion pesos) just for their security, according to local media.
Harry and Meghan were invited to Colombia by Vice President Francia Márquez and were provided with a full security detail during their visit, as, after they quit their royal duties in 2020, they no longer travel at the request of the UK Government on official overseas royal visits. Ms Márquez represents the left-wing Historic Pact for Colombia coalition.
The Sussex’s security cost sparked outrage among several people in the country, which faces various socio-economic problems.
One of those slamming the Sussex tour was right-wing councillor of the city of Cali – where Harry and Meghan ended their visit – Andres Escobar.
Mr Escobar took to X to retweet the – now deleted – security cost report by CW Noticias and said: “We continue with an ancient practice: handing over our resources in exchange for smoke and mirrors.
“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.”
He also accused Ms Marquez of “wasting public money on her vanity” and “spending our taxes on ‘rich white people’ for photo opportunities and social media”.
In May, the couple also visited Nigeria for three days where they met locals, hosted panels and attended various events to promote mental health initiatives for soldiers and empower young people. Their trip was viewed positively by critics in general, with many royal watchers calling it a success, whilst others dubbed it an “unofficial royal tour”.
The Sussex visits to Colombia and Nigeria came amid their ongoing battle with the UK Government over their security while in Britain, which further raised questions about their decisions.