Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Colombia Trip Faces Criticism, Yet Wins

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently concluded their international trip to Colombia, which was organized at the request of Vice President Francia Márquez. The couple delivered keynote addresses at the Responsible Digital Future Summit held at Universidad Ean on August 15, marking their second international tour of the year, following their visit to Nigeria in May.

Despite their departure from royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan have faced scrutiny in UK tabloids for their recent travels, which have drawn comparisons to traditional royal tours. Critics have questioned their motivations for participating in these charitable trips, suggesting that they are improperly attempting to maintain a royal image.

However, both Harry and Meghan have significant histories of engaging in international causes. This dedication to service has been apparent throughout their lives, dating back to their time as working royals. Royal commentator Kristen Meinzer pointed out that both individuals have a longstanding commitment to charity and international advocacy.

Harry, who has traveled extensively as part of his royal duties and personal pursuits, served in the Royal Air Force and founded the Invictus Games, an annual event held in various countries for injured veterans. Meanwhile, Meghan’s background includes studying international relations at Northwestern University and collaborating with esteemed organizations such as World Vision and the United Nations before becoming a royal.

Meinzer emphasized that the couple’s inclination toward philanthropy and goodwill visits predates their relationship. She noted that their charitable endeavors have often gone unnoticed in the same way that celebrity humanitarian efforts, like those of George Clooney or Beyoncé, do not attract similar criticism. “I think it’s interesting that when other people like George Clooney or Beyoncé do the same kind of thing, they aren’t raked over the coals,” she remarked.

During their time as royals, Harry and Meghan participated in numerous tours where their ability to connect with various communities shone through. For instance, Harry remarked on how effortless it seemed for Meghan to bond with locals during their 2018 tour of Australia, showcasing their unique approach to royal duties. They appeared relaxed and relatable compared to other members of the royal family on similar outings.

In their docuseries “Harry & Meghan,” the couple expressed a desire to continue as working royals while living abroad in a Commonwealth nation, but circumstances led them to step back instead. Harry elaborated, “We thought it would be good to give ourselves some breathing space, but also we were really passionate about continuing our work throughout the Commonwealth.”

Currently, their international engagements are primarily centered around advocating for specific issues rather than promoting the Commonwealth directly. This latest trip to Colombia aimed to focus on creating a healthier digital environment.

The couple’s invitation to Colombia from Márquez underscores their commitment to addressing important social issues rather than merely trying to reclaim their royal status. Their visit was designed to raise awareness about significant digital ethics, which they have championed since stepping away from royal life.

Some critics might attempt to frame their travels negatively, but it’s essential to recognize that they are responding to official invitations and endeavoring to highlight pressing social matters. “They’re not doing anything that is inflammatory by accepting invitations to raise the public awareness of certain causes,” Meinzer emphasized. “It’s just a non-issue.”

Moreover, these trips provide Harry and Meghan with a fresh approach, particularly as they navigate challenges in their media ventures and other initiatives. Evan Nierman, CEO of a global public relations firm, indicated that the couple’s previous revelations about the royal family have lost some impact over time. Instead, returning to their roots in international advocacy may be the optimal course for their future endeavors.

Ultimately, international diplomacy and advocacy for charitable causes remain at the forefront of Harry and Meghan’s initiatives. They continue to leverage the skills and passion developed throughout their respective journeys. While the UK tabloid press may not always align with their goals, embracing this path could prove to be a more fulfilling direction for the couple.

Source: Business Insider