Colombian Vice President Demands Payments from Harry and Meghan

The visit of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to Colombia, intended to draw attention to social issues, has turned into a public relations nightmare. According to the country's Vice President, Francia Márquez, the royal couple and their team left the country with a large financial burden that they have to pay back.

Public Perception and Previous Opinions

Strikingly, the Colombian Vice President had previously enjoyed the popular TV show 'The Crown', which portrays British royalty in an often-negative light. This view likely contributed to her initial stance that the royals were not to be taken seriously. Nevertheless, upon the announcement of their visit, the Vice President faced an unexpected challenge. Defying expectations, she was approached by the couple and their entourage without prior consent to visit the country.

The Royal Visit and the Reality Check

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's intention to highlight social issues through their visit to Colombia was met with mixed reactions. According to reports, the initial cost estimates for their tour, quoted at around ￡45,000, were significantly underestimated. The Vice President, now revealed to be deeply involved and acting on behalf of the Colombian government, had to face the reality that the true cost of the visit was much higher.

Security Costs and Public Frustration

One of the most contentious issues arose from the security requirements of the royal couple and their team. It was reported that the Vice President had to arrange extensive security measures, which were covered by public funds. The VP stressed that the Colombian taxpayers should not be burdened with the costs of the visit, especially for non-royal figures. This led to widespread frustration among the public, as the personal expenses of the royal couple and their team were meant to be self-funded.

Public Remarks and Demands

Francia Márquez, as the Vice President, voiced her frustration and made a bold demand for the royal couple to reimburse the substantial costs incurred during their visit. Her public remarks included statements that the royal security detail should have brought their own funds or at least contributed financially to the visit. The Vice President highlighted that the assistance provided to the couple was not an act of kindness, but a strategic move to advance her own political ambitions.

Previous Claims and Current Controversy

There have been earlier claims that the couple had misrepresented their trip to the country, and the Vice President's stern statements reflect this perception. She emphasized that the couple should at least pay back the substantial costs they had imposed on the Colombian government. The statements further added to the criticism that the royal visit was a publicity stunt unduly supported by the public purse.

Public Reactions and Future Implications

The controversy has sparked a discourse on transparency and the representation of royal visits. The public is now more aware of the financial implications such visits can have on the government and taxpayers. The future implications of this incident could be significant, as it may lead to stricter scrutiny of future official visits, particularly those involving high-profile figures like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

To learn more about this incident, check out related articles and official statements from the Colombian government's press releases and the ongoing discussions in local media.