Prince Harry and Meghan: 'Are they here to help?' Locals confused on Colombia tour

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have arrived in Colombia ahead of a four-day tour of the country and their visit has "raised more questions than answers" says expert.

By Richard Ashmore, Senior News Reporter, Charlie BradleyHanisha Sethi, News Reporter, Paige Ingram

Prince Harry Meghan Markle

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have arrived in Colombia (Image: Eric Charbonneau for Archewell.)

It appears Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's arrival in Colombia has "raised more questions than answers" with locals, claims a royal author and expert.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived to start their four-day tour of the country, upon the invitation of the first Afro-Colombian vice president in Colombia's history - Francia Marquez who they warmly greeted upon arrival.

Author and royal expert, Robert Jobson told Express.co.uk confused Colombian locals are asking "Are they here to help?".

He further added: "When Harry and Meghan touched down, it wasn’t just the Colombian sun that made people squint. It was the blinding glare of their celebrity."

The author of 'Catherine, the Princess of Wales' questioned if the royal duo are a "shiny distraction to keep the people from looking too closely at the cracks in the walls", wondering who is paying for their security, flights, and "luxury accommodations".

The Vice President, however, issued a statement before the Sussexes' arrival saying: "They will have the exceptional opportunity to engage with leaders, youth, and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians committed to progress. In addition to these meaningful interactions, the Duke and Duchess will experience the rich heritage of Colombia."

Harry and Meghan will hold their first engagement at a local school Colegio Cultura Popular and this week, Harry and Meghan will travel to a former slave town, Palenque de San Basilio, and attend the Petronio Alvarez music festival in Cali.

THIS BLOG HAS NOW CLOSED. SEE OUR COVERAGE BELOW.

Prince Harry hits out at dangers of misinformation

Prince Harry has hit out at the dangers of social media disinformation - days after false online rumours led to rioting across Britain. The royal, 39, spoke at the Responsible Digital Future forum in Bogota, Colombia, where he and wife Meghan, 43, are taking part in a four-day royal-style tour.He said: “What happens online within a matter of minutes transfers to the streets. People are acting on information that isn’t true. It comes down to all of us to be able to spot the true from the fake."In an ideal world those with positions of influence would take more responsibility. We are no longer debating facts," reports The Mirror.

Colombian VP statement on first full day of tour

Following the first full day of the Colombian tour, Vice President Francia Marquez said it was an "honour" to speak alongside the couple and shared her own experience of "aggression and violence" she had experienced in public life.

The final event of the day was a panel conversation about a "Responsible Digital Future" held at a private university in Bogota. The participants shared their experience of the darker elements of the online world.

Translated from Spanish, Marquez said: "It was an honour to share a panel with the Nobel Peace Prize winner, Maria Ressa, and Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, at the Responsible Digital Future Forum, today at the Universidad EAN.

"Moving towards a responsible digital future means working with all our strength to prevent our young people, girls and boys, from deciding to commit suicide due to cyberbullying, because they found no possible way to overcome it.

"As an adult woman when I arrived here, I did not realize what I was exposing myself to. The amount of aggression and violence that I, my family, my children and my partner have had to endure over these two years has been disproportionate.

"We must strive to design and use technology to dignify life and solve the problems of our society."

 Vice President Francia Marquez

It's been a busy first day for Harry and Meghan (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Panel participant shares backstage pictures with Duke and Duchess

Trisha Prabhu said she was 'honoured' to participate in the Responsible Digital Future forum in Bogota as she shared some behind the scenes snaps on social media platform X.

Eight bombshells from day one

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's contentious four-day Colombian tour has commenced.

From Harry 'regret' amid security arrangements to Princess Diana's plans to visit Colombia shortly before she died in 1997 the first day of their tour has already been brimming with drama.

Read the full story here. 

Meghan Markle makes at least three outfit changes

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, and long-time fashionista has made at least three outfit changes during the first day of the couple's trip to Colombia.

For her debut, where she met the country's Vice President, a series of dignitaries, activists, and school children, Meghan Markle wore a £950 navy suit, consisting of a sleeveless jacket, nipped in at the waist and cigarette-style trousers.

Patrick Hill described her second outfit, worn to a colourful series of performances of theatre and indigenous culture, as: "Meghan wore a Johanna Ortiz mauve-pink midi dress with embroidered maroon and gold detailing and a diamond-shaped chest cutout, alongside brown Jimmy Choo sandals, a gold Cartier necklace and matching earrings, as well as a watch and a bracelet."

According to online fashion sleuths, for her final appearance speaking at a forum, the Duchess wore a Victoria Beckham brown silk shirt she had previously worn in September 2020. She paired this ensemble with citrine drop earrings.

Meghan

Meghan looked stunning in all three outfits (Image: AFP / Anadolu/ ERIC CHARBONNEAU FOR ARCHEWELL /Getty Images)

Video of Prince Harry and Meghan's first day

A video of the royal couple's first day in Colombia reveals a bright and colourful arrival in the country, with displays from indigenous cultures - and even a boogie for the Duke and Duchess.

Pictured: Prince Harry speaks at forum

Prince Harry expressed his fears about Artificial Intelligence while speaking at the Responsible Digital Future forum in Bogota.

According to local media, the Duke said of AI: "It is scary because many people are scared and uncertain.

"I think one of the solutions to this is education and awareness, because it is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish the source."

Prince Harry

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, speaks during the 'Responsible Digital Future' forum in Bogota (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Meghan's next outfit

Yet another outfit change for Meghan as she speaks at the Responsible Digital Future forum in Bogota.

The 'What Meghan Wore' account on Twitter/X said: " Meghan wore her Victoria Beckham brown silk shirt (first worn in Sept 2020). She also brought back her Birks 'Muse' citrine drop earrings from 2018."

Meghan Markle seen speaking at online hate conference

As part of their tour of Colombia, the Duke and Duchess will be exploring and championing various social justice causes in the country.One of these causes is highlighting online hate speech, with Meghan Markle speaking to a crowd about her experiences.

Meghan Markle

Colombia's vice-President Francia Marquez (R) speaks during the 'Responsible Digital Future' forum a (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Francia Marquez's inspiring rise from cleaner to VP

Francia Marquez is far from your typical dignitary or career politician, having risen from humble beginnings and survived numerous assassination attempts to reach the top of national politics.

Starting her journey as a cleaner and housekeeper, she quickly became a notable figure in the south of Colombia through her activism for the rights of Afro-Colombian miners against the encroachment of international companies. Her efforts began at the tender age of 13, and after years of advocacy, Marquez led a significant march to Bogota, catapulting the miners' struggles into the national spotlight.

Fast forward to 2022, the 42-year-old made history by becoming Colombia's first black VP. In a country where politics often requires wealth and formal education, Marquez has certainly broken the mould.

Read the full story here. 

Francia Marquez

Colombia's Vice President Francia Marquez gestures during a press conference to announced details of (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Vice President Francia Marquez shares thanks to Harry and Meghan

Vice President Francia Marquez said on Twitter/X: "We continue to accompany Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, on their visit to our country.

"Today, at the Delia Zapata National Arts Center, we show you the richness of our cultural heritage and a Colombia that builds its social fabric through arts and knowledge. I thank those who accompanied us on this journey full of art, diversity and tradition."

Marquez then shared more photos of the royal couple.

Francia Marquez and Meghan Markle

Colombia's vice-President Francia Marquez (L) talks to American actress Meghan Markle (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Royal couple arrive for Columbian theatre event

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are now at a theatre engagement at the Plaza del Carnaval y la Cultura in San Juan de Pasto. Following the event, Harry and Meghan will attend an internet safety summit.

Let's talk more about Meghan's outfit

Harry and Meghan had a quick outfit change ahead of watching a dance group outside Delia Zapata National Centre for the Arts - with Meghan changing into a patterned pink hued dress.

Patrick Hill reports: "At the theatre event, Meghan wore a Johanna Ortiz mauve-pink midi dress with embroidered maroon and gold detailing and a diamond-shaped chest cutout, alongside brown Jimmy Choo sandals, a gold Cartier necklace and matching earrings, as well as a watch and a bracelet."

The outfit accentuates Meghan's elegance and oozes pure class.

Meghan

Meghan looked stunning (Image: Getty Images)

Prince Harry lets true feelings slip in 'flash moment' on Colombia tour

Body language expert Judi James believes Harry revealed the true depths if his discomfort as they posed for pictures with a music and dance group outside Delia Zapata National Centre for the Arts.

She told The Mirror: "Despite his life-long induction into royal behaviour it was Meghan who managed to sustain a perfect royal smile at this performance while Harry's expressions and body language fluctuated.

"At times he was actively laughing and chatting using animated gesticulation but there were also 'flash' moments like this when his smile dropped and his facial expression looked almost dour in comparison to his wife's.

"When he sat watching there was a lot of pulling and fiddling with his clothes and some foot-shuffling to suggest awkwardness or anxiety while Meghan beside him adopted an elegant pose that didn't waver."

Harry and Meghan

Harry was pictured looking awkward as wife Meghan beamed (Image: Getty Images)

Prince Harry's subtle nod to brother William

Hours after they landed in Colombia, the couple were welcomed by Vice President Francia Márquez, and her husband, Rafael Yerney Pinillo.

And as they later lined up for a group shot, body language expert Judi James noted Harry's stance and it's similarity to his brother William's trademark pose - something Harry largely hasn't been seen to emulate before.

Judi told The Mirror: "Harry's pose here looks almost like a nod to his brother William as he adopts his signature 'fig leaf' pose with the hands clasped in front of the lower torso.

"It's a status-lowering pose that can suggest some shyness but it's not normally in Harry's repertoire. He seems to want to avoid pulling royal rank in these initial poses, hence the barrier gesture while Meghan signals greater confident with her arms straight down at her sides."

What else will they be doing?

Meghan and Harry have a jam-packed schedule that includes meeting leaders and discussing concerns with cyberbullying.

They will also take part in a summit involving experts, activists and community members who are working to create more positive online environments

The pair will remain in Bogota on Friday to spend more time with students to talk about emotional well-being in education. They will then attend a luncheon hosted by Vice President Márquez, before meeting with Colombia's Invictus Games competitors.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ‘will undermine UK foreign policy’ with world tour - expert

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's international tours could lead to a run-in with the British Foreign Office as the Sussexes risk "undermining" Britain, an expert tells the Daily Express.

Having toured Nigeria in May, the couple touched down in Colombia on Thursday for another international visit.

According to reports, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could embark on something of a 'world tour' with trips to more countries in the future.

Although they stepped down as senior members of the Royal Family back in the 2020, they still use their royal titles, and many have speculated their plans could undermine the UK Government as well as working members of the Firm.

Hilary Fordwich, a British royal commentator based in the US, tells the Daily Express that more visits could lead to the couple coming to blows with the UK Foreign Office.

Prince Harry

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ‘will undermine UK foreign policy’ - expert (Image: Getty)

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry accused of 'self-promotion' as royal tour begins - expert

As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle begin their four-day tour in Colombia, their visit has been described by a royal author and expert as "self-promotion".

The Sussexes touched down in the capital of Bogota and were welcomed by Vice President Francia Márquez, and her husband, Rafael Yerney Pinillo.Royal author, Robert Jobson, believes there is only one reason the Montecito-based duo have decided to participate.

He told Express.co.uk: "Harry and Meghan, however, have one reason for this 'tour' - self promotion, to keep themselves in the spotlight so they can continue to trade on their royal links while demanding privacy when they are having their downtime."

Prince Harry Meghan Markle

Harry and Meghan are on a four day visit to Colombia (Image: Getty)

Meghan Markle in 'A-list mode' in Colombia as Prince Harry 'hesitant' - expert

Meghan Markle beamed widely as she accompanied Prince Harry on their four-day Colombia tour with a body language expert believing Meghan is in "confident, A-lister" mode for the trip.

Judi James believes the Duchess of Sussex oozes a celebrity-infused approach to the tour. She told the Mirror: "Meghan's 'Hey, I'm here!' pose, facial expression and styling put her in full, confident A-lister mode here."

Her eye expression registers a level of excitement, with her symmetric smile looking like a nod to a more regal approach, and her way of holding herself is celebrity-infused 'special' and far from casual, relatable and down-to-earth."

Meghan Markle

A body language expert believing Meghan is in "confident, A-lister" mode (Image: Eric Charbonneau for Archewell)

An outfit change for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as they watch dance performance

Harry and Meghan had a quick outfit change ahead of watching a dance group outside Delia Zapata National Centre for the Arts - with Meghan changing into a patterned pink hued dress.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were seen chatting to the performers as they applauded them along with the rest of the assembled guests there before they posed for pictures.

Prince Harry

A quick outfit change for Harry and Meghan (Image: Getty)

Prince Harry

Harry poses for pictures with the performers (Image: Getty)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle issued urgent Colombia 'scandal' warning

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been warned of the "scandal" hit Colombian Vice-President as they tour the country this week.

On Thursday, the Sussexes touched down in Colombia's capital Bogota, where they were greeted by Vice-President Francia Marquez.

Meghan shared a hug and exchanged gifts with the politician, the first black woman to hold the role.

However, as Harry and Meghan look ahead to the rest of their Colombia tour, they have been warned that the Colombian government is embattled by scandal and that their trip could be a way of distracting the country from these issues.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Harry and Meghan are on a four day tour in Colombia (Image: Getty)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit city centre public school Centro Nacional Cultura Popular

Vice President Francia Marquez took Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to visit city centre public school Centro Nacional Cultura Popular where the couple chatted to staff and pupils aged 12 to 18.

Headmaster Leonel Umaña, 51, said the visit had focused on an anti-cyber bullying project.

The Mirror reports Meghan spoke Spanish during the visit. He said: "She speaks Spanish well. "We had to explain a few of our typical Colombian slang words that our students use and that caused a few laughs and jokes."During the visit, the couple posed for pictures with the pupils.

Prince Harry

Harry talking to staff and pupils (Image: Supplied)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Harry and Meghan engaging with pupils (Image: Colombian Vice President's Office)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 'burdening' Colombia's security, says ex-royal insider

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are "putting a burden" on Colombia which may only have "limited amount of methods of keeping them safe," according to a former Palace insider.

Harry and Meghan - who recently saw their chief of staff depart - landed in South America on Thursday to kick off a four-day trip and have so far met with the Vice President, Francia Marquez.

Colombia is under a 'Level 3' US travel advisory - which means 'reconsider travel' - because of crime, terrorism and kidnapping.

Prince Harry

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Colombia (Image: Eric Charbonneau for Archewell)

Huge security presence for Sussexes' first day in Colombia

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle started off their four-day tour with a big security presence as reported in the Mirror.

The Sussexes were welcomed by Vice President Francia Márquez, and her husband, Rafael Yerney Pinillo.

Visiting a local school it is where the couple's security arrangement became apparent as heavily-armed soldiers lined the streets outside. The security operation featured armed police as well as officers on motorbikes and suited security guards.

Why Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's chief of staff felt 'uncomfortable' before shock exit

A fresh light was shone on the Sussexes’ staffing problem earlier this week when it was revealed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had lost their eighteenth member of staff in just a few years.

Josh Kettler suddenly quit his role as Chief of Staff for the Sussexes after barely three months in the job amid much intrigue.When Kettler was appointed, he was described as the perfect man to "guide" Prince Harry "through his next phase".

While a spokesman for the Sussexes declined to comment on Kettler’s departure, an anonymous source subsequently briefed People magazine in the United States - a title that has seemingly been used to put across the couple's point of view in the past - that Kettler had been "hired on a trial basis".

Prince Harry Meghan MArkle

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have a 'revolving door of staff' (Image: Getty)

Full list of the 18 employees Prince Harry and Meghan have lost and why each one left

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down as senior working royals in 2020 and eventually relocated to California with a new team of staff, but as time has passed, the couple have found it difficult to retain employees.

Most recently the duo's chief of staff, Josh Kettler, a seasoned PR executive, stepped down from his position in August after only three months. It is thought the decision to separate was mutual, with both parties agreeing it was not the right fit.

But he's not the only Harry and Meghan staff member to depart in recent years.

Express.co.uk takes a look at the total staff members that have decided to part ways with Harry and Meghan...

Prince Harry

Express.co.uk takes a look at the total staff members that have decided to part ways with the duo (Image: Getty)

Meghan Markle fans all saying the same thing as Duchess sparks fan frenzy in Colombia

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been labelled as a "power couple" by fans and admirers as many rushed to comment on the Duchess of Sussex sporting a stylish navy two-piece during their arrival in Colombia.

The couple have arrived in the country's capital to begin their four-day tour of the South American nation.

Looking effortlessly elegant, the mother-of-two teamed a sleeveless, buttoned, halter-neck waistcoat with matching navy, ankle-grazing trousers from designer Veronica Beard.

The collared vest is priced at £596 whereas the trousers cost £349.The smart ensemble was paired with black Manolo Blahnik high heels and a cream handbag from Italian company Loro Piana.

Prince Harry

Fans have labelled Harry and Meghan as a "power couple" (Image: Eric Charbonneau for Archewell.)

Meghan Markle embraces Colombia's Vice President Francia Marquez

First pictures of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's tour in Colombia show Meghan Markle sharing a hug with Colombia's Vice President Francia Marquez upon their arrival.Their packed itinerary includes visits to local schools to advocate for greater awareness of mental health as well as to encourage students to improve their digital literacy.

The pair's quasi-royal tour is aimed at boosting "Colombia's role as a beacon of culture and innovation", an effort that will bring them to the capital Bogotá as well as Cartagena and Cali.

Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle shares a hug with Colombia's Vice President Francia Marquez (Image: Eric Charbonneau for Archewell )

Secrets of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Colombia tour

Click here to read all of the details about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Colombia tour.

Prince William to attend funeral while Prince Harry is absent

Prince William is likely to attend his uncle's funeral, according to reports, while Prince Harry is expected to be absent.

Lord Fellowes was married to Lady Jane Spencer, the sister of Diana, Princess of Wales. He passed away last month.

William will reportedly attend the funeral

William will reportedly attend the funeral (Image: Getty)

'Real reason' why Prince Harry and Meghan's chief of staff quit just before Colombia tour

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's chief of staff, Josh Kettler, quit just three months into his new job for one particular reason, according to insiders.

Mr Kettler, a seasoned public relations expert, made headlines earlier this week as he shockingly quit his post after only a quarter of the year working for the couple.

But sources have claimed that he was hired on a trial basis to "guide Harry through the next phase" and the decision to part ways was "mutual", with both sides agreeing it was not the "correct fit".

Josh Kettler

Josh Kettler (Image: Getty )

Meghan and Harry told 'get professional help' as they're torn apart by politician

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been told to "get a grip" by former Labour Minister Bill Rammell. The politician made the remarks while commenting on their tour of Colombia.

Referencing the recent loss of their aide who quit after just three months in the role, he advised they need "professional help": "To lose one member of staff from your entourage might be deemed unfortunate - to lose 18 in 6 years is a bit of a disaster. And I think they need to get a grip.

Prince Harry and Meghan

Prince Harry and Meghan (Image: Getty )

Want more news on the Royal Family from the Express?

Sign up for our royal newsletter and join our Whatsapp Community

Prince George photo 'wake-up call' for Harry and Meghan as 'fears were realised'

A charming photo of Prince George reportedly served as a 'wake up call' for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, solidifying their decision to step back from the Royal Family, according to Royal expert Andrew Morton.

The couple allegedly felt that the Royal Family were 'plotting against them', with the release of a particular photograph reinforcing this belief.

The image depicted the late Queen alongside her three successors - then-Prince Charles, Prince William and six year old Prince George - in Buckingham Palace's throne room.

Released at the start of 2020, just days before Harry and Meghan announced their intention to resign as working royals, the picture ostensibly represented the monarchy's future, echoing many historical portraits

Prince Harry and Meghan

Prince Harry and Meghan in Nigeria (Image: Getty )

Meghan and Harry slammed by GB News star as he rages Colombia trip 'has no purpose'

GB News star Stephen Dixon has a reputation for not holding back - and this morning was no exception.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are already in the Latin American country of Colombia - but the broadcaster feels the pair are trying to "get into the limelight without any real purpose" as he questioned the need for the trip.

Prince Harry and Meghan

Prince Harry and Meghan (Image: Getty )

Major warning that Meghan Markle could ‘take feud nuclear’

A tell-all memoir penned by Meghan Markle, 43, could take the royal feud to "nuclear" as more details about Meghan's time within the Firm could be revealed, an expert has claimed.

Meghan Markle and her husband Prince Harry stepped down as senior working royals in 2020 and since their move to Montecito, California they have shared intimate details about their private life and relations with the Royal Family in sit-down interviews, and with the release of Harry's own memoir, Spare.

Speaking to Closer magazine, the source revealed how the couple must be feeling. They said: "It's not just about pride of hurt feelings, there are very ugly repercussions for them when this constant narrative that they're family outcasts keeps getting fed. It impacts their brand as well as their morale, and it had the potential to put them more at risk."

Meghan and Harry

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry (Image: Getty )

Harry and Meghan set to be meeting "leaders, youth and women"

In comments released before the arrival of the Sussexes in South America, Colombian vice president Francia Marquez said the couple would be meeting "leaders, youth and women who embody the voices and aspirations of Colombians committed to progress".

Colombia's Vice President Francia Marquez

Colombia's Vice President Francia Marquez (Image: Getty )

Meghan and Harry set to begin their 'faux' royal tour of Colombia

Duke and Duchess of Sussex expected to arrive in Colombia today.

Prince Harry and Meghan are making an official visit to Colombia following an invitation by vice president Francia Marquez.

The Sussexes' trip to the South American nation will be their second official tour of the year after they visited Nigeria in May, taking part in a range of activities over three days.

While details of the couple's itinerary have not been released by the Archewell Foundation, the vice president said they would "engage in several activities" related to safeguarding young people online and in physical spaces.

Prince Harry and Meghan

Prince Harry and Meghan (Image: Getty )

Good morning and welcome to our LIVE blog

Hello and welcome to our coverage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle today, please stay tuned for all the latest updates.

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?