Expert Katie Nicholl was among those who reflected on the security issues. On the Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered podcast, she said, “I am sure this is a trip that will generate a huge amount of coverage for them as a couple, for Colombia, for everything that is going to be discussed over the round table that is going to take place over the course of those few days. And it, of course, puts Harry and Meghan on the international map once again. I think so much of this and what they’re doing is about that international visibility,” the Mirror reports.
“It’s apparently not safe to come to the UK, but it is safe to go to Colombia. I think when we look back at the last tour that they did, to Nigeria, the security was incredible there. But this was the military in Nigeria stepping up, treating the royals as if they were on an official royal tour. I suppose it’s going to depend on what kind of security they’re going to get when they’re on the ground [in Colombia]. One can imagine it is only going to be at a government and military level and they will be well protected because of course they don’t have the benefit of royal security.”
According to royal author Tom Quinn, this trip will further strain the relationship between the Sussexes and the members of the Firm since they send a message that they will continue act as royals and that there is nothing the royals can do about it. Speaking to Mirror, Queen added that whenever Harry and Meghan respond to an invitation from a sovereign state, it will look as though they “are somehow acting in an official royal capacity.”
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A royal source raised concerns that Harry and Meghan might be manipulated by the Colombian Government, Sky reported.
“I’m sure Meghan and Harry mean well, but everyone here is talking about how obviously they are being manipulated,” the source said.
“Of course, their star power will be used to bring attention to poor people and certain areas of culture in Colombia … but the reality is the Colombian government has been drowning in scandal since it came in two years ago.
“They need something to appease people at home and make them look good abroad.”
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