Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are still riding high from their quasi-royal tour in Columbia. Reports say the Sussex’s security for their four-day trip cost poverty-stricken Columbia an estimated 1.5 million pounds.
Security Costs For Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Were Elaborate And Wasteful
Security for the couple included 3,000 police and soldiers, helicopters, bomb disposal units, sniffer dogs, armored police vehicles, and the use of bulletproof briefcases, which are special shields to protect from potential shooters.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were in the country at the invitation of the country’s Vice-President, Francia Marquez. The shield has been used to keep Marquez safe since she’s been the target of several assassination attempts.
Two months ago, Marquez’s father and six-year-old nephew got away from a gunman who shot at their car and riddled it with bullets.
Harry and Meghan traveled to Columbia despite travel advisories that warned people to avoid certain parts of the country.
Bogota, the capital of Columbia, for example, has a mix of drugs, prostitution, and violence and is considered very dangerous.
As Harry and Meghan benefit from Columbia’s elaborate security, the country struggles with massive socio-economic issues.
Here is the question: how could two people who work towards helping others less fortunate use the country’s funds for their security? The government spent almost 2 million American dollars for their security.
Many people in Columbia live below the poverty level, and the Duke and Duchess have incurred the wrath of the city security chief of the Cali council, where Harry and Meghan ended their tour.
Writing on X, Andres Escobar said,
“Billions that could have been used to expand coverage of children’s soup kitchens pay salaries to community mothers, seed capital for Afro communities, or adapt sports venues practically in ruins….”
He also accused Marquez of wasting the public’s money on photo opportunities with rich white people. One could argue that Marquez saw this as a chance to elevate Columbia in the media without considering the funds spent.
Columbia Is In An Economic Crisis
The Vice President of Columbia is also said to use the money to take helicopters and taxis. Escobar also said,
“The country paid almost two million US dollars for the security of this trip, and there are many, many Columbians who are hungry and lack basic needs.”
Marquez is more interested in meeting two high-profile public figures than helping her people as she shrugs off Columbia’s issues stemming from an unscrupulous government.
Escobar continued,
“We are in an economic crisis, and eight billion pesos have been spent for the visit of Harry and Meghan. Columbian military planes and helicopters have been used, and the money could have been better spent.”
Escobar also pointed out that Marquez invited the Sussexes to visit Columbia because she watched their Netflix docuseries, “Harry and Meghan,” which is ridiculous.
Marquez represents the left wing of the Historic Pact for Columbia coalition. The couple’s security cost has provoked outrage among Columbians, who feel the funds should have been used wisely.
Harry and Meghan stepped down as working royals in January 2020 and no longer travel with the British government’s support.
If this were an official royal visit, the taxpayer-funded Sovereign Grant would cover the travel costs.
We all know that Harry and Meghan jumped at the chance to visit this country because they knew they’d be fussed and fawned over like they were in Nigeria, where they referred to the Duchess as “Princess Meghan.”
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