Prince Harry, Meghan Markle under fire as Colombia reveals cost of their quasi-royal tour: ‘Wasteful spending’

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent visit to Colombia cost the South American country about £6,500 per day and £45,000 in total, official revealed.

Updated on: Sep 3, 2024, 22:27:22 IST

By Shweta Kukreti

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent visit to Colombia cost the South American country about £6,500 per day and £45,000 in total, according to official figures from the vice president who extended the invitation. The revelation has triggered massive backlash against the Sussexes over a costly trip to the nation, which is currently dealing with financial issues and a health crisis.

Britain's Prince Harry (C), Duke of Sussex, and his wife Meghan Markle (R) pose for a picture with Colombia's former Education Minister Aurora Vergara (L) and other participants, at the end of the "Afro women and power" forum, at the Municipal Theatre in Cali, Colombia, on August 18, 2024. (AFP)

The entire cost of Harry and Meghan's visit was Col$244,245,305 (£44,725.14), comprising costs for internal transportation and security detail.

The figure was revealed after Senator Maria Fernanda Cabal requested the Colombian VP Francia Marquez to disclose the figure. Marquez invited Harry and Meghan after being inspired by their Netflix documentary.

Responding to the disclosure, Cabal termed the quasi-royal tour “showmanship” and “wasteful spending,” reported Semana.

She further blasted VP Marquez for wasting the money that belongs to Colombians. “After Francia Márquez saw the story of Harry and Meghan on Netflix, she brought them to Colombia for seven days at a daily cost of no less than 34,892,186 pesos (6,426 GBP) money that belongs to Colombians,” she remarked.

However, the office of the vice president also disclosed that the Duke and Duchess covered their own general expenses during their visit from August 15 to August 18, as well as the cost of their flights and lodging in Bogota.

Also Read: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Colombia tour raises same Royal question

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle face heat

Harry and Meghan's previously under fire for their trip after local media reported that their protection cost £1.5 million. The report, which was removed by CW Noticias, claimed that over 3000 personnel were sent to ensure the couple's safety during the Colombia visit.

Right-wing Cali city council member Andres Escobar retweeted the since-deleted statements at the time, claiming the funds might have been used for public projects.

He targetted the authorities for continuing the ancient practice of “handing over our resources in exchange for smoke and mirrors.”

“Billions that could have been used to expand coverage of children's soup kitchens, pay salaries for community mothers, seed capital for Afro communities or adapt sports venues that are practically in ruins,” he concluded.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shweta Kukreti
Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

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