Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s semi-royal tour, costing $2.9 million, has sparked public outrage
A Colombian councilman has slammed the nation’s vice president after it was reported Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s quasi-royal tour cost $2.9 million.
Colombian councilman Andres Escobar has slammed the nation’s vice president as “wasteful” and “vain” after it was reported Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s quasi-royal tour cost an eye-watering eight billion pesos, which equivalent to $2.9 million (AUD).
Vice president Francia Marquez invited the Duke, 39 and Duchess of Sussex, 42, to the South American country where they spent four days to the tune of £375,000 per day, roughly $724,276 (AUD), according to local media.
The expenses reportedly went towards heavily armed police and soldiers, helicopters, sniffer dogs, bomb disposal units and a 24/7-armed guard equipped with a bullet proof shield in the event of a sniper attack against the couple.
Prince Harry Meghan Markle are seen at the Afro Women and Power Forum at the Municipal Theater of Calid during a visit to Colombia. Picture: Gabriel Aponte/Getty Images
Watch ‘The Royal Report’ on SkyNews.com.au
Australia’s only TV show dedicated to The Royals. Watch The Royal Report live each Sunday night, or catch up anytime on-demand with a SkyNews.com.au Streaming Subscription, available for just $5 per month*.
Mr Escobar, councilman of the city of Cali, on Wednesday took to X to join the chorus of critics enraged over the security costs in a country facing socio-economic pressures with a third living below the poverty line.
He claimed Ms Marquez was “squandering public money on her vanity”, accusing her and the government of “waste and indifference” to the needs of the country.
“Taxes were spent on rich white people for photo opportunities and social media,” he said.
“Billions that could have been used to expand coverage of children’s canteens, pay salaries of community mothers, seed capital for Afro communities or adapt sports venues practically in ruins.”
Speaking to MailOnline, Mr Escobar said: “They invested this money because the vice president wanted to meet two high profile public figures and brush aside criticism and problems that we have here through a corrupt government.
“The vice president asked them here because she saw them on Netflix, can you believe that? How ridiculous, I can’t believe she said that.”
Meghan Markle speaks during a forum on Afro women and power in Cali, Colombia. Picture: AP/ Ivan Valencia
Bogota city councillor Papo Amin weighed in, directing aim at Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro after the leader praised the couple’s visit.
Mr Petro posted a video on X of Meghan headlining an Afro Women and Power talk in Cali alongside Ms Marquez while a beaming Duke of Sussex sat in the audience.
“The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan; what she has felt from Colombia and from her visit to Afro-descendant communities is community,” he wrote in the caption.
Mr Amin took to the comments section to question if the President was aware of other issues in the country.
“Did they tell you about the armed strike that just took place in Chocó? Did they tell you about the bombs in Cauca?” he asked.
Meghan and Harry have finished a four day tour of Colombia. Picture: Diego Cuevas/Getty Images
Harry and Meghan appeared to not only divide leaders in the nation but also placed a big wedge between the wider community.
One local, among many who blasted the government on X, wrote: “Instead of worrying about the economy that affects everyone, they are worried about bowing to the English nobility.”
In May, Harry and Meghan were also criticised for accepting an innovation Nigeria, with security costs largely shouldered by the developing nation’s cash-strapped government.
The copped flack for accepting free plane travel to the country on an airline owned by an international fugitive who was indicted by the US Department of Justice on fraud and money laundering charges.
Ironically, Harry told a hearing at London’s High Court in December that personal safety concerns for his family were preventing visits back to Britain.
The Duke is currently suing the British Home Office after the government opted to strip the Duke and Duchess of Sussex of their taxpayer-funded private security because the couple are no longer working royals.
Harry argued he should still receive a degree of taxpayer-funded protection when he visits the United Kingdom despite living in California and carrying out no duties on behalf of the King or the British government.
News
“‘THEY HELD THEIR CHILDREN’S HANDS… THEN THEY WERE GONE.’” 💔😭 A heartbroken mother has spoken out after losing her two children in a devastating road tragedy. But the detail now breaking hearts is what was reportedly found at the crossing afterwards — two tiny backpacks left side by side on the pavement, still packed for the day ahead… 👇💔
Cabramatta crash: Heartbroken parents forgive driver after children killed while crossing the road Heartbreaking details have emerged about the moments before two young siblings were killed in a crash in Sydney‘s…
WE’RE TAKING IT DAY BY DAY… 💔🦈 The family of Coogee shark attack victim Leah Stewart has shared a heartbreaking update on her condition. But the detail now leaving people emotional is what loved ones say remains beside her hospital bed — the same salt-stained surfboard leash she was still clutching when rescuers reached her… 👇🌊
Heartbreaking update on mum who was attacked by shark at Sydney’s Coogee Beach – as her family speak out A new mum whose arm was amputated after a shark attack…
“‘I CAN’T BELIEVE MY CHILDREN ARE GONE…’” 💔😭 The devastated parents of the children killed in the pram crash have spoken publicly about the unimaginable loss. But the detail now breaking hearts across the country is what was reportedly left untouched at home — two tiny pairs of shoes still waiting by the front door… 👇💔
The parents of two young children killed when they were hit by a car near a busy highway in Sydney’s south-west have shared their immense grief, saying they forgive the driver. At about 3.15pm…
SHE SURVIVED THE SHARK. NOW COMES THE HARD PART. Leah Stewart is recovering surrounded by family, but doctors are still monitoring one injury from the first bite that could change everything
Weeks after the terrifying shark attack at Coogee Beach, 35-year-old Leah Stewart continues her determined fight for recovery, surrounded by family and an outpouring of community support. While she has…
SHE KEPT HOLDING ON: Leah Stewart survived a devastating shark attack that unfolded in front of hundreds of beachgoers. What rescuers found clenched in her hand when they finally reached her is now touching people across Australia
In the bloodied waters of Coogee Beach on June 13, 2026, amid screams from hundreds of horrified beachgoers, 35-year-old Leah Stewart fought for her life after a suspected 3.5- to…
The shark attack in Coogee has caused a stir in Australia. But according to those closest to her, the detail that keeps repeating in her mind isn’t the shark itself — it’s what she saw seconds before it appeared
In the crystal-clear waters of Coogee Beach, just 20-30 metres from shore and safely between the flags, 35-year-old Leah Stewart’s routine morning swim on June 13, 2026, descended into nightmare….
End of content
No more pages to load
