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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's visit to Colombia this week has been marred by controversy and faced notable diplomatic pushback, underscoring troubles for the royal couple as they pursue their post-monarchy careers focused on charitable works and public speaking. While the four-day tour kicked off with typical pomp and circumstance as high-profile guests, their warm welcome from Vice President Francia Marquez stood in stark contrast to a pointed snub by President Gustavo Petro that has damaged the visit's optics.
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From the start, it seemed Meghan aimed to highlight her philanthropic credentials by donning one of Princess Diana's iconic earrings - a gesture no doubt meant to evoke memories of Harry's beloved late mother and her humanitarian legacy. However, this attempt at tapping into nostalgia and earning public approval did little to change perceptions as problems quickly arose. On the visit's second day, an event with local students in Santa Fe was tainted when the children realized they weren't actually meeting football star James Rodriguez as promised, but the lesser known royals instead.
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Colombians have reacted with sharp disapproval towards the visit, a sentiment only exacerbated by Petro's absence. As the nation's leader tasked with engaging international figures, his refusal to meet with Harry and Meghan underscored a major diplomatic slight that will linger. Public criticism translated online reveals outrage, with the couple labeled "celebrity parasites" and critics bluntly question what merit Meghan holds beyond marrying a prince. This view taps into deep frustration that the visit prioritizes their fame over meaningful impact.
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At a time when nearly half of Colombians live in poverty, Meghan parading a $720k wardrobe stirred anger over the opulence on display. Combined with reports the taxpayers are funding their high-security motorcade and detail, resentment has grown about economic burdens shouldering unnecessary protection for private individuals not officially representing any cause. Many argue Harry and Meghan's presence does little to directly address Colombia's pressing challenges and instead serves their self-interest through staged photo-ops over substance.
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The socioeconomic realities magnify these concerns, with extreme poverty impacting over 22% of the population alongside stark wealth gaps. For citizens enduring such hardship, the visit flaunts wealth in a deeply insensitive manner disconnected from local struggles. It has exposed a profound misunderstanding between the couple's perceived intentions and how they landed for Colombians grappling with financial strains of entertaining more famous guests pursuing fame over impact.
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While Vice President Marquez warmly welcomed the Sussexes, bringing their tour some much-needed positive headlines, this could not overcome the overarching concerns that emerged. Petro's absence and public frustration illustrate deeper issues, suggesting royalty and celebrity are losing currency internationally where meaningful aid is preferred over photo opportunities. For Harry and Meghan to effectively continue building their post-royal careers centered on good works, navigating audiences outside receptive spheres and understanding local realities will prove ever more important moving forward.
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