Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent trip to Colombia was anything but smooth sailing, marred by controversy and a glaring snub from the country’s highest office.

As the Sussexes embarked on their four-day tour, they were met with a warm welcome from Vice President Francia Marquez.

However, the atmosphere quickly shifted when President Gustavo Petro, who resides in Bogota, chose not to meet the royal couple at all.

The visit kicked off with all the fanfare one would expect for such high-profile guests.

Meghan, aiming to highlight her charitable endeavors, wore Princess Diana’s iconic earrings—a move intended to evoke nostalgia.

Unfortunately, this gesture failed to resonate with the public, and what should have been a celebratory arrival turned into a public relations fiasco.

On the second day, Meghan and Harry visited Collegio La Giralda in Santa Fe, where they engaged with local students, planted trees, and participated in art sessions.

It should have been a heartwarming occasion, but it quickly soured when the children discovered they would not be meeting their idol, football star James Rodriguez.

Instead, they were greeted by the Sussexes, whose celebrity status fell short of local expectations.

The Colombian public’s reaction has been overwhelmingly negative, fueled further by President Petro’s conspicuous absence.

His refusal to meet the couple sends a clear message of disdain, highlighting a significant diplomatic snub.

In a role that typically involves engaging with international figures, his decision to ignore the Sussexes is telling and speaks volumes about the current sentiments in Colombia.

Public frustration has been palpable, with critiques pouring in from various quarters.

Translated comments reveal a torrent of disdain directed at Meghan and Harry, branding them as freeloaders and questioning their merit.

One particularly pointed remark bluntly asked, “What’s Meghan Markle’s merit, marrying a prince?”

This sentiment underscores a growing perception that their visit is a waste of resources in a country facing serious challenges.

In Colombia, where nearly half the population lives near or below the poverty line, the display of Meghan’s extravagant $72,000 wardrobe has sparked outrage.

The stark contrast between the couple’s opulence and the harsh economic realities faced by many citizens has only deepened public resentment toward their visit.

Adding fuel to the fire are the exorbitant security costs associated with the Sussexes’ tour.

Their 15-car convoy and heavy security detail are funded by Colombian taxpayers, raising eyebrows and prompting many to question why they should bear the financial burden of protecting private individuals who aren’t officially representing any government or institution.

Critics argue that Meghan and Harry’s presence does little to address Colombia’s pressing issues.

Instead, their visit is increasingly viewed as a self-serving PR stunt rather than a genuine philanthropic effort.

The socio-economic context amplifies this discontent, with extreme poverty affecting around 11.4% of the population and significant income disparity, where the wealthiest 10% earn nearly 40% of the national income.

The Sussexes’ display of wealth feels not only out of touch but deeply insensitive in a country grappling with such economic challenges.

The disconnect between their lavish lifestyle and the struggles faced by ordinary Colombians has left many feeling insulted and frustrated.

As the couple’s Colombian tour unfolds, it has become overshadowed by a significant diplomatic snub from President Petro and widespread public dissatisfaction.

What was meant to be an opportunity for goodwill has instead highlighted a profound disconnect with local realities.

In light of these events, it’s clear that the Sussexes’ visit has done more harm than good, leaving Colombians grappling with the financial strain and symbolic insult of hosting such high-profile guests.