A recent four-day tour of Colombia by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has drawn significant criticism due to the exorbitant security costs, which local media estimate at 8 billion pesos (£1.5 million).
The security expenses for the couple included the deployment of 3,000 police and soldiers, helicopters, sniffer dogs, and bomb disposal units.
Guards were also equipped with ballistic briefcases and bulletproof shields to protect against potential sniper attacks.
The visit, which took place from August 6 to August 9, was organized at the invitation of Colombia’s Vice President Francia Marquez.
Marquez, who has survived multiple assassination attempts, aimed to discuss topics such as online violence, cyberbullying, mental wellness in the digital age, and female empowerment.
The high cost of security has sparked outrage among many Colombians, especially given the country’s significant socio-economic challenges.
Nearly a third of the population lives below the poverty line, and critics argue that the funds could have been better spent on essential services.
Andres Escobar, the security chief for the city of Cali, expressed his dismay on social media, criticizing the use of public money for what he described as a vanity project. “Billions that could have been used to expand coverage of children’s canteens or improve community services were instead spent on a high-profile visit,” he wrote.
Escobar and others have accused Marquez of squandering taxpayer money for a visit that was largely driven by personal interest. “We are in an economic crisis, and this money could have been used to invest in our infrastructure,” Escobar said.
The visit also attracted criticism from other political figures, including right-wing councillor Papo Amin, who questioned the timing and necessity of the tour given the ongoing security issues in Colombia.
The Sussexes’ tour included stops in Cartagena, Bogota, and the village of San Basilio de Palenque, a historic settlement founded by freed African slaves. Despite the extensive media coverage, British reporters were largely excluded, with only a fashion magazine reporter given access.
The heavy security measures, which included a 14-vehicle convoy and strict restrictions on public interactions, have led to questions about the purpose and value of the trip. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams noted that the tour aimed to enhance the Sussexes’ international profile, but the enormous security costs and the controversy surrounding the visit have overshadowed its intended message.
The Sussexes’ decision to visit Colombia, alongside their upcoming trip to Nigeria, has also raised eyebrows, particularly as Harry has been involved in a legal dispute over his security arrangements in the UK.
