It’s been more than a week since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Colombian tour concluded and the British media has spent that time furiously imposing their narratives on the tour. They claim it was “controversial” and that Prince Harry and Meghan are “embarrassed” by the criticisms, criticisms which were openly provided by “the palace,” according to the British media. But according to VP Francia Marquez, the tour was a huge success (it’s true) and she designed the tour to highlight tourism to Colombia.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s tour of Colombia was designed to encourage tourism, according to the country’s vice-president. A lengthy statement released by the office of Francia Márquez hailed the international attention the quasi-royal tour had generated and said the couple’s presence had helped demonstrate that Colombia was an “attractive tourism destination”.

The government release also said the tour had shown that the country had moved away from the violence with which it has long been associated and was now worthy of international investment and business.

“The message is overwhelming,” it said. “We will continue working to establish Colombia on the international stage as a reference point of creativity, cultural diversity and above all, as a country that knows how to rebuild from differences and is ready to receive millions more visitors.”

Such claims will only serve to fuel the view that the Duke and Duchess were used as “political pawns” to boost Ms Márquez’s reputation ahead of next year’s election, when some speculate she may run for president, and to divert attention from various domestic scandals.

[From The Telegraph]

“Such claims will only serve to fuel the view that the Duke and Duchess were used as ‘political pawns’…” They’re not mad that Harry and Meghan were used in a political manner, they’re mad that the Sussexes were used effectively by Colombia and Nigeria to highlight tourism, Invictus and various local charities. They’re mad that the left-behind Windsors can’t travel internationally without making horses’ asses out of themselves or being utterly ignored.

In addition to providing a tourism boost, the Sussexes have announced targeted donations to various Colombian charities and initiatives. Archewell donated new drumming sets to Escuela Tambores de Cabildo in Cartagena. Archewell is also donating to the community in San Basilio de Palenque, and Archewell is also “supporting the expansion of the socio-emotional Gym program at Colegio La Giralda.” And finally, Archewell released a recap video of their trip. This really is an amazing ad campaign for Colombia!

A look back at #HarryAndMeghanInColombia from The Archewell Foundation. pic.twitter.com/yQsFxMWozP

— R.S. Locke / Royal Suitor (@royal_suitor) August 23, 2024

Photos courtesy of Cover Images, Backgrid.