Harry and Meghan’s Colombia tour cost almost $90,000

By Victoria Ward
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s four-day visit to Colombia cost the country almost £45,000 (approx. $87,000 AUD) according to figures released by the vice-president’s office.
They were requested by Maria Fernanda Cabal, a Right-wing senator and political opponent of Francia Marquez, Colombia’s vice-president, who orchestrated the trip and hosted Harry and Meghan.
Ms Cabal, who has previously dismissed the quasi-royal tour as “showmanship”, branded it “wasteful spending”. The costs were released in response to a “derecho de petición”, or right to petition.
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“Did you know that the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex cost Colombians a total of $244,245,305 ($87,000 AUD)?” Ms Cabal’s office said.
The cost included internal transport throughout the visit and security.
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Prince Harry and Meghan paid for their own flights, their accommodation in Bogota and general expenses, according to the vice president’s office.
The security costs for the engagements held in San Basilio de Palenque, the first African Freetown in the Americas, founded by escaped slaves, was almost £7,500 ($14,500 AUD).
In Cali, where the couple attended a music and culture festival, a forum and a meeting with young people, the security bill was just under £4,500 ($8,700 AUD).
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The total cost covers an eight-day period as it includes four days of advance visits from staff including security and logistics teams who organised “transport, sound, refreshments and everything involved” for each engagement, sources said.
The Colombian government has previously stated that the Sussexes paid for their own travel but admitted that the extensive security operation – or “technical requirements” – was funded by the vice-president’s office.
It said 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”.
“During this visit, the country received the attention of international media and the world who were given the message that Colombia is changing positively,” the government added.
The criticism comes in the wake of various domestic issues, including a healthcare and social housing crises.
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