PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle complaining about the lack of security in Britain, but going on a “fake royal tour” in Colombia seems hypocritical, an expert says.
Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun that the “optics” of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex heading to the dangerous South American country – which has a reputation for horrific crimes – were not good.
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Harry and Meghan have now confirmed a new “royal” tour, just months after their “memorable” visit to Nigeria.
The Duke and Duchess were personally invited to spend a few days in Colombia by the country’s vice president, Francia Márquez.
It is understood they will take a flight this summer, in November, when their schedule will include trips to the capital Bogotá and the Pacific regions of Cartagena and Cali.
But the country has a reputation for being unsafe, with official British channels warning that it is plagued by kidnapping, drugs, organized crime and terrorism.
Harry previously said he could not return to Britain with Meghan, Archie and Lilibet “because it is too dangerous” as a result of his security being downgraded.
While Harry’s complaint about security in the UK revolves around the lack of police protection, his visit to Colombia will likely see him protected by a full security team alongside the country’s vice president.
Royal expert Fitzwilliams said it seemed “hypocritical” that the couple were prepared to visit Colombia following claims that Britain was too dangerous.
He told The Sun: “I think first of all what people will think when they see this, Harry is talking about how dangerous he is to his family and he needs automatic police protection.
“I had a lot of sympathy for that argument simply because he was haunted by his mother’s death. We know what happened there.
“And there is always a threat of right-wing extremism or, in fact, since he listed these Taliban numbers that he took out on a second mission in Afghanistan, possibly Islamic extremism.
“But the problem, obviously, is that if you pick Nigeria and Colombia, which are countries that have terrible reputations when it comes to crime, that sounds strange.”
He added: “If Harry hadn’t made comments about Britain being dangerous or words to that effect, as he did, the optics would have been very strange.”
Fitzwilliams also said there are “double standards when it comes to the Sussexes”, and it reminds him of how the cartoon South Park parodied the couple going on a ‘World Privacy Tour’.
According to the British government website, it is “very likely” that terrorists will attempt attacks in Colombia and many “armed groups remain active throughout” the country.
And kidnapping rates “remain high in Colombia”, with illegal armed groups taking hostages for both ransom and political purposes, according to Gov.uk.
“Drugs, organized crime and terrorism are intrinsically linked in Colombia”, warns the official website.
It adds: “Robberies, robberies and armed robberies are a problem, especially in large cities, including Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and the Caribbean coast.
“British citizens were robbed at gunpoint in the Candelaria area of Bogotá and in many cities in Colombia.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advises against all but essential travel to parts of Colombia.
The Duke of Sussex’s 24-hour royal protection has been downgraded following Megxit.
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He and Meghan are set to “experience Colombia’s rich heritage” in a significant visit just before a conference on ending violence against children is held there.
Francia Márquez previously said of the planned trip: “I am pleased to announce that Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have kindly accepted my invitation to visit our beautiful country.
“During their trip, the Duke and Duchess will join me to visit Bogotá, as well as the Caribbean and Pacific regions of Cartagena and Cali.
“In these vibrant locations, you will have the exceptional opportunity to interact with leaders, young people and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians committed to progress.
“His visit comes at a particularly significant time, as it precedes the first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence against Children, which will take place in Colombia next November.
“The Archewell Foundation, founded by the Duke and Duchess, is known for its global leadership in promoting a safer online environment.
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“The upcoming conference will reveal a comprehensive framework for creating safer physical and digital spaces, addressing issues such as cyberbullying, online exploitation and the mental health impacts of these threats.
“It will offer viable solutions and commitments to countries around the world.”
Vice President Márquez added that she is “confident” that the Sussexes’ visit “will shine a light on Colombia’s role as a beacon of culture and innovation.”
It will be Harry and Meghan’s second “faux royal trip” after visiting Nigeria in May.
The couple spent three days in the West African country, meeting with residents and local leaders.
While there, they revealed a partnership between the Archewell Foundation and non-profit organization Giants of Africa, which aims to empower young people through sport.
The couple soon returned to the United States after attending a charity match at the Lagos Polo Club.
Before that, Harry, 39, had played basketball with a group of young Nigerians.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
