Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to visit Colombia following an official invitation from Vice President Francia Márquez. The aim of their trip is to enhance Colombia’s image as a “beacon of culture and innovation.” However, this decision has sparked some concerns, especially in light of Harry’s recent worries about security.
This announcement comes shortly after an interview in which Harry expressed hesitation to bring Meghan to Britain due to fears over potential acid and knife attacks, a concern amplified by changes to their state-funded security.
Both U.S. and U.K. governments have issued travel advisories, urging caution when visiting specific high-risk areas in Colombia, noting that “violent crime, such as homicide, assault, and armed robbery, is widespread” and that organized crime, including extortion and kidnapping, can be prevalent.
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Despite the potential risks, it’s worth noting that they are not the first royals to visit Colombia. Just last November, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, undertook a three-day tour in support of the United Nations’ Women, Peace and Security Agenda. She was warmly welcomed by the vice president and engaged with survivors of sexual violence in Bogotá and Cali, which are also on Harry and Meghan’s itinerary, alongside Cartagena.
Previously, in 2014, King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited Colombia as well, demonstrating a history of royal engagement with the country.
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While Harry and Meghan have yet to release an official statement about their trip, Vice President Márquez expressed her delight in their acceptance of the invitation. She emphasized that the couple would have the opportunity to meet leaders, youth, and women from Colombia, focusing on progress and equality.
This visit is aligned with the upcoming Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in November, an issue that resonates with the charitable causes championed by the couple through their Archewell foundation, particularly around online safety for young people.
This Colombia trip follows another recent international engagement for the couple, who spent three days in Nigeria in May at the chief of defense staff’s invitation to participate in Invictus Games-related events.