PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle are trying to become “world leaders” with their “fake royal tour”, an expert has claimed.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed a new trip to Colombia at the invitation of the country’s vice-president, Francia Márquez – just months after the duo’s “memorable” visit to Nigeria.
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It is understood that Harry and Meghan will travel this summer, in November, when their schedule will include trips to the capital Bogotá and the Pacific regions of Cartagena and Cali.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun he believes this trip could become a way to raise the Sussexes’ profile – possibly with the aim of Meghan launching a political career.
He said: “The facts are that Harry and Meghan must have future ambitions that we do not know about – or at least I strongly suspect they do.
“It won’t just be lifestyle programs and brands. There will be something more.
“They turned down the opportunity to work as senior royals and could have done great good for those who are less fortunate.”
He believes the Sussexes were “clearly” doing this to “raise their profile” because they know the press will follow them on tour.
Fitzwilliams stated: “It won’t be long before [Meghan] endorses Kamala Harris and hopes, possibly, that this could lead to – this has been talked about for years – some form of political career for her, possibly in the next few years.”
The royal expert also said the Sussexes are pursuing some “very worthy” causes.
But he added: “There are double standards when it comes to the Sussexes.”
He said it reminded him of an episode of the cartoon South Park, which parodied Harry and Meghan going on a “global privacy tour”.
Fitzwilliams said: “The idea… that they are world leaders simply because their charity was founded a few years ago, I mean, that obviously doesn’t make sense.”
The couple will visit Colombia, which has a reputation for being unsafe, with official British channels warning that the country is plagued by kidnappings, drugs, organized crime and terrorism.
Harry and Meghan will raise awareness of the dangers young people face online during their trip to the country.
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.
Royal expert Fitzwilliams said it seemed “hypocritical” that the couple were prepared to visit Colombia following claims that Britain was too dangerous.
But 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.
Fitzwilliams said: “If Harry hadn’t made the comments about Britain being dangerous or words to that effect, as he did, the optics would have been very strange.”
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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.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
