What did Prince Harry and Meghan’s Colombia trip achieve?

Prince Harry and Meghan recently traveled to Colombia, where they were warmly welcomed by the country's Vice-President, Francia Márquez. Although they are no longer working royals, their visit was marked by a significant government-backed security presence, a stark contrast to the situation they face in the UK. The couple has previously expressed concerns about their safety, having been subjected to threats and harassment. This trip was their second international visit in a few months, following their earlier trip to Nigeria. The primary purpose of their visit was to promote their charitable initiatives aimed at making the internet a safer place for children. During their first two days in Colombia, they engaged with activists, experts, and school children to discuss the effects of social media on young people. They also participated in a summit focused on internet safety. At this summit, Prince Harry voiced his concerns about the negative impact of artificial intelligence and misinformation, stating, 'We are no longer debating facts. ' He emphasized that the ability for individuals to spread falsehoods and engage in online harassment has led to a breakdown in social cohesion. Meghan echoed these sentiments, noting that while the internet can foster connection, it has also given rise to a culture of cruelty. Their visit included a stop at a public school, where Meghan was seen embracing a young girl, showcasing their commitment to connecting with children. Additionally, they sought to immerse themselves in Colombia's rich culture and history. Vice-President Márquez had initially invited Meghan to an event celebrating Afro-Descendent Women, which she could not attend, leading to the planning of this trip. The couple participated in various cultural activities, including watching traditional dance performances, visiting a percussion school, and attending an Afro-Colombian festival. They also met with the Colombian team for the Invictus Games, a competition for injured or sick service members that Prince Harry founded. In South America, royal family events do not attract the same level of crowds as they do in other regions. While some fans gathered to catch a glimpse of the couple, many others appeared indifferent. A Venezuelan tourist, Jacqueline Romero, expressed her excitement, saying, 'I saw them close; I thought my heart was going to come out. ' However, at another event, many attendees seemed more focused on enjoying the beach than on the couple's presence. This could be attributed to the fact that many of the events were private and tightly controlled. The couple and their team only allowed their own videographers and photographers to capture the events, ensuring that they were represented accurately. Daily footage was released without sound, and they brought along a single reporter from Harper’s Bazaar to provide updates to the media. The BBC opted not to rely solely on this material, as they could not verify the information, but they were able to attend the summit and observe some events from a distance. During their visit to San Basilio de Palenque, a village with strong African roots, a designated area was set up for them, but many locals watched from their homes, seemingly bemused by the situation. Prince Harry and Meghan have been vocal about their concerns regarding press intrusion, particularly from British tabloids. They have faced online threats and have engaged in numerous legal battles over privacy invasions. This has led some royal watchers to question the motives behind such a high-profile visit, which appeared to serve as publicity for both the couple and their hosts. For Prince Harry and Meghan, the trip was an opportunity to promote their campaigns for internet safety and to support parents of children who have experienced online harm. It also allowed them to maintain their visibility and influence on the global stage, demonstrating that they can still attract attention from world leaders. The couple received an award from Vice-President Márquez and a singer during a music festival, highlighting their efforts. The Colombian government hopes that their charity, Archewell, will consider supporting some of the social projects they visited. This visit also serves as beneficial publicity for Vice-President Márquez, especially with elections approaching next year. Some speculate that she may run for president, given the current president, Gustavo Petro, has low approval ratings. While local media buzzed about the visit, there was also criticism regarding the high cost of security. A significant military presence accompanied the couple, partly due to threats against Vice-President Márquez's life. The Sussexes have expressed concerns about participating in similar high-profile events in the UK due to violent threats and the lack of government-funded security they previously received. They have requested that the Royal Family and the UK government reconsider this situation. Their second international tour in a short span suggests that they may be shifting their focus toward international campaigning. The invitation from government officials like Vice-President Márquez, who come with their own security, indicates a potential model for how the couple can work safely and independently outside the royal family structure.