Harry and Meghan are reportedly “embarrassed” by the reaction to their Colombia trip.
The Sussexes took a four-day trip to the South American country earlier this month, which garnered a lot of praise and positive feedback. OK! A source said Meghan and Harry are “embarrassed” by some of the reactions, though they “want to do more trips like this because it’s what they love and enjoy most about royal life.”
A source told OK!: “They want to help raise awareness of some of the issues in these countries and know they can highlight that through their profile.” They also know that these trips boost their status in Hollywood and in turn contribute to their brand. They don’t want to stop, but they don’t know what to do next to get everyone back.”
Observers also wondered whether Harry and Meghan were planning to make their own “royal visit” after leaving the royal family four years ago.
Colombian government official Andres Escobar slammed the Duke and Duchess, claiming that the country’s Vice-President Francia Marquez wanted to invite them because “he saw them on Netflix”. He criticised the royal couple’s alleged security costs, which some critics said cost Colombia £1.5 million.
“There are so many Colombians who are hungry and lack basic needs,” he claimed. “They invested this money because they wanted the vice president to meet two high-ranking public figures and put aside the criticism and problems we have here. We are in an economic crisis and the visit of Harry and Meghan cost 8 billion pesos, including Colombian military planes and helicopters, money that could have been used better.”
The Colombian Ministry of Equality and Justice is under the direction of the vice minister. President Francia Marquez praised the visit, calling it a “success”. El Pais also reported that the ministry confirmed that the Sussexes paid for their own travel expenses. A ministry spokesman said: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex covered their travel expenses and those of their team from their own funds.”
The ministry stressed that the visit was an opportunity for Colombians to connect with the Archewell Foundation, a charity founded by Harry and Meghan. The two leaders also expressed hope that the visit would showcase Colombia as a great location for business and tourism.
The spokesperson added: “It was an incredibly productive visit, allowing us to build connections between the local community and the Archewell Foundation, founded and led by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, promoting programs that impact the economic independence of Sussex women.
“The trip was organised by the government of Colombia, which did not pay for it, the Spanish newspaper El Pais reported. However, there are suspicions that some elements benefited from government support. Some travel expenses were reportedly supported by the government of President Gustavo Petro, and meals may have been part of the official package.
The publication further suggests that the Afro Women and Power Forum was sponsored by the national government.
OK!’s source continued that the Sussexes are “used to criticism and backlash” and that they will “support each other” no matter what.
However, royal insiders also claimed Prince Harry was at a crossroads as he approached his 40th birthday. “As he approaches 40, Harry is understandably reflecting on the past and feeling sad that he will no longer be able to see his family and the friends he grew up with,” they said, adding that “
He would never trade his life for it.” He said that while Meghan and the children are with him through everything, he can also feel very lonely at times and had always intended to celebrate his 40th birthday with lots of friends and family. He is saddened by all that has happened but knows that nothing will change until then.”