Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s whirlwind, quasi-royal tour of Colombia has come to a close, leaving behind a trail of mixed reactions and headlines. The four-day visit, which bore striking similarities to an official royal overseas tour, saw the Duke and Duchess of Sussex traversing the South American nation with a heavy security presence and a schedule packed with cultural, social, and educational engagements.
One of the most talked-about aspects of the Sussexes’ trip was the intense security detail that followed them throughout Colombia. The couple’s protection included a Kevlar-shielded officer, heavily armed soldiers, police officers, and private security guards. In a country with travel advisories from the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office, the level of security was both expected and eyebrow-raising, especially given Prince Harry’s ongoing legal battle in the UK for police protection.
The use of a ballistic briefcase, a folding shield typically employed to protect high-profile targets from potential shooters, was particularly notable. This precaution, also used to protect Colombia’s Vice President Francia Márquez—who has faced multiple assassination attempts—was a visible reminder of the couple’s high-risk profile. Despite these measures, the couple appeared unfazed as they participated in various events, though body language experts noted moments where Prince Harry’s unease seemed to slip through.
Body language expert Judi James observed several instances where Prince Harry appeared uncomfortable during the tour. From his wary expressions upon arrival in Bogotá to his fluctuating demeanor during a musical performance, Harry’s unease was palpable. In contrast, Meghan maintained a “perfect royal smile,” embodying the composure expected in such high-profile appearances.
James noted that while Meghan led with grace and confidence, Harry often seemed to take a back seat, occasionally appearing downcast. This contrast between the couple’s body language raised questions about Harry’s feelings toward the quasi-royal nature of the tour, especially as they continue to navigate their roles outside of the official royal family.
Throughout the tour, Princess Diana’s legacy was a subtle but significant presence. Meghan paid tribute to her late mother-in-law by wearing Diana’s butterfly earrings during their visit to La Giralda School in Bogotá—a poignant choice, as the earrings had previously been worn by Diana herself. Additionally, Vice President Márquez revealed a little-known fact that Princess Diana had planned to visit Colombia before her tragic death in 1997, further deepening the emotional connection between the Sussexes and the country.
During a forum on Afro-Colombian women and power on the final day of the tour, Meghan delivered a speech that was both personal and revealing. Speaking partly in Spanish, she praised Harry for empowering her and helping her find her voice. She also revisited her now-famous story about writing a letter to Procter & Gamble at age 11 to protest a sexist commercial—a story that has faced skepticism over its accuracy.
In a moment that echoed her bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, where she claimed to have been “silenced” by the Royal Family, Meghan emphasized the importance of young girls being heard. Her comments, while inspiring, also served as a reminder of the couple’s complicated relationship with their royal past.
Throughout the tour, many questioned why Harry and Meghan chose Colombia as their destination. The answer came from Vice President Márquez herself, who revealed that she had been moved by the Sussexes’ Netflix documentary and felt that Meghan’s story would resonate with Colombian women. This candid admission clarified the purpose of the trip, which had been dubbed a “DIY Royal tour” due to its similarities to traditional royal visits.
The tour was not without its lighter moments, including a passionate kiss between Harry and Meghan during a salsa class in Cali. The couple participated in various cultural activities, from drumming lessons in Cartagena to attending a music festival in Cali, where Harry delighted the crowd by speaking in Spanish.
As the tour concluded, the couple was gifted a bottle of Viche—a traditional Colombian liquor—and a wooden marimba, symbolizing their connection to the local culture. Despite the mixed reactions to their visit, the Sussexes left Colombia with memories of a country that embraced them, albeit with cautious curiosity.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Colombia tour was a complex blend of cultural diplomacy, personal expression, and royal nostalgia. As the couple continues to define their roles on the global stage, this visit to South America showcased both their ability to connect with diverse audiences and the ongoing scrutiny they face as they carve out their new lives outside the traditional royal fold.
