Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s announcement of an unofficial royal tour to Colombia has drawn criticism from some quarters, with accusations of “manipulating” King Charles.

The couple is set to visit the South American nation later this year at the invitation of Vice President Francia Marquez, who stated, “During their trip, the duke and duchess will join me in visiting Bogota, as well as the Caribbean and Pacific regions of Cartagena and Cali.” This trip follows their four-day visit to Nigeria in May, marking their second unofficial “diplomatic” visit this year.

Royal author Angela Levin has criticized the Sussexes for choosing to visit Colombia despite Harry’s refusal to return to the UK over “safety concerns. She told GB News that, “It is dangerous there (Colombia) at the moment. There is a lot of people being taken away and money being demanded for them to be returned.”

She further said that she believes that Harry would be well-protected in the UK, although not at the same level as Camilla, Charles, William, and Catherine. “It is really ridiculous and it conforms to my long term suggestion that they tried to manipulate the King. To have three court cases on the Home Office and saying security is why he won’t bring his wife and children when really it’s all nonsense. He would be well looked after with good protection, but not the very top of the tree which is just for Camilla, Charles, William and Catherine,” said Levin.

The Duke of Sussex is currently suing the Home Office for removing the Sussexes’ taxpayer-funded security, claiming that the decision has put his family’s safety at risk in the UK and prevents them from visiting his homeland. The trip to Colombia could also create additional challenges for the British Home Office, as there are concerns that the Sussexes’ unofficial trips may undermine the work of the official royal family. A royal insider revealed that King Charles will attempt to block further invitations to the couple through back channels, but it may prove difficult.