Sussexes' Colombian visit cost almost £45,000, igniting political debate and criticism

The visit of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Colombia proved to be a costly affair, with expenses amounting to almost £45,000 ($244,245,305) as per the figures released by the vice-president’s office.

Political Controversy

The expenses incurred during the royal couple's stay in Colombia have sparked a political controversy, particularly from Maria Fernanda Cabal, a Right-wing senator and political opponent of Francia Marquez, Colombia’s vice-president, who orchestrated the trip and hosted the couple. Senator Cabal, who has previously criticized the quasi-royal tour as “showmanship”, has denounced the visit as “wasteful spending”. The senator's office made the total cost known in response to a “derecho de petición”, or right to petition—a legal mechanism allowing citizens to request information from public authorities.

Breakdown of Costs

The expenses incurred during the visit included internal transport throughout the stay and security arrangements. It is noteworthy that Prince Harry and Meghan covered the costs of their flights, accommodations in Bogota, and general expenses, as confirmed by the vice president’s office. Nevertheless, the security costs for engagements held in various locations, such as San Basilio de Palenque and Cali, were substantial, totaling almost £7,500 and just under £4,500, respectively. The total expense also encompasses an eight-day period, accounting for four days of advance visits from staff, including security and logistics teams for organizing transport, sound, refreshments, and other requirements for each engagement, as indicated by sources.

Official Response

Despite the controversy surrounding the expenses, the Colombian government has previously stated that the Sussexes funded their own travel. However, it admitted that the extensive security operation, referred to as “technical requirements,” was covered by the vice-president’s office. In defense of the visit and the associated costs, the government stated that the visit had “contributed to continue demonstrating that Colombia is a country of confluence for global causes, a country capable of hosting diverse interests, as well as an attractive destination for investment, tourism and business.” Furthermore, it emphasized that during this visit, the country received the attention of international media and the world, sending a message that Colombia is undergoing a positive transformation.

Criticism and Domestic Issues

Despite the government's defense of the visit, criticism has arisen in the wake of various domestic issues, including a healthcare and social housing crises. Such criticism underscores the stark contrast between the reported expenses for hosting the royal couple and the pressing challenges faced by many Colombians on a daily basis. The controversy surrounding the costs incurred during the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's visit to Colombia has ignited a political debate, shedding light on differing views regarding the financial implications of the trip. While the government advocates for the positive representation of Colombia on the global stage, opposition figures and segments of the public have raised concerns about the appropriateness of such expenditures amid ongoing socioeconomic challenges.