Additional Coverage:
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Colombia trip was heavily criticized, but it’s part of a winning strategy (newsbreak.com)
Last week, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle traveled to Colombia at the invitation of Vice President Francia Márquez. This visit was their second official international trip in 2024, with their earlier visit being to Nigeria in May.
During their time in Colombia, the couple engaged in discussions at the Responsible Digital Future Summit held at Universidad Ean on August 15. This initiative signaled their ongoing commitment to international advocacy, a cause both have been passionate about for years. Despite having stepped back from their roles as working royals in 2020, their ongoing international engagements have drawn scrutiny from UK tabloids, which have questioned the motives behind their travels.
Harry and Meghan have a history of international service, which pre-dates their union. Harry was a constant presence on royal tours during his youth and served in various capacities, including the Royal Air Force.
He also founded the Invictus Games, an international event. Meanwhile, Meghan’s background includes studying international relations and working with global organizations such as World Vision, One Young World, and the United Nations.
Their global advocacy has sometimes been compared unfavorably against celebrities like George Clooney or Beyoncé, who engage in similar activities without facing equivalent criticism. The couple has found connecting with international communities to be a strong suit, as evidenced by their tours as working royals, including memorably positive interactions during tours in Australia and Africa.
Post their royal exit, they planned to live in countries like New Zealand, South Africa, or Canada to continue their royal duties within the Commonwealth, but those plans were disrupted by media leaks. Eventually, they relocated to Montecito, California, where they are raising their family.
Today, while no longer representing the Commonwealth, their trips are centered around causes they are fervent about. Their recent visit to Colombia, for instance, focused on discussing digital ethics and responsibility. Also, their visit to Nigeria was prompted by the country’s interest in hosting the Invictus Games.
These activities underscore the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s deep-rooted commitment to international service, despite the challenges and criticisms they face from the media. It’s clear that for Harry and Meghan, their international advocacy efforts are more than just residual duties from their royal past, but rather a profound passion for global humanitarian engagement.