Prince Harry and Meghan Markle set to visit Colombia despite crime warnings from US and UK governments

MONTECITO, CALIFORNIA: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will embark on a tour of Colombia later this year despite the US and UK governments issuing travel advisories for the hostile nation.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will travel to the South American country at a later date following their acceptance of an invitation from Vice President Francia Marquez of that nation, reported Daily Mail.

Both UK and US governments issued security alerts over traveling to Colombia

Due to concerns about crime, terrorism, civil instability, and kidnapping, both the US and UK governments have issued security alerts about traveling to Colombia. Prince Harry's choice to visit comes as he continues to fight for his safety while in the UK.

The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office "advises against all but essential travel to parts of Colombia."

The US Department of State also issued a travel advisory for Colombia stating, "Reconsider travel due to crime and terrorism. Exercise increased caution due to civil unrest and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk." 

Prince Harry's former protection officer on his visit to Colombia

"They have chosen to visit one, if not the most, dangerous countries in the world. But nothing amazes me (with Harry and Meghan) these days," one British former royal protection officer, who served Prince Harry's family for several years, told the outlet.

"It's just him digging his heels in with the UK authorities. But it does add weight to why he's not getting protection - he keeps going to dangerous places," he added.

Purpose of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's visit to Colombia

In Colombia, the Sussexes will "engage with leaders, youth and women" and join activities related to "cyberbullying, online exploitation and the mental health impacts of these threats."

Marquez's office said the couple would "experience the rich heritage of Colombia" and help "illuminate Colombia's role as a beacon of culture and innovation."

She also mentioned that the visit would come before the inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, which is scheduled for November in Colombia.

Prince Harry lost his High Court challenge in London

This follows Prince Harry's defeat in his High Court appeal against the UK Government in February over his right to state-funded police protection while visiting the country.

The 39-year-old is currently a resident of Montecito, California. He had told a judge that he felt unable to bring his children Archie, five, and Lilibet, three, to the UK and could not put Markle "in danger like that."

The prince was subsequently granted authorization in May to appeal the 2020 ruling of the Home Office-affiliated Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) to the Court of Appeal.

Francia Marquez issues statement confirming Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's visit to Colombia

"As the vice president of Colombia and minister of equality and equity, I am pleased to announce that Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have kindly accepted my invitation to visit our beautiful country," Francia Marquez said confirming their visit today, August 1.

She continued, "During their trip, the Duke and Duchess will join me in visiting Bogota, as well as the Caribbean and Pacific regions of Cartagena and Cali. In these vibrant locations, they will have the exceptional opportunity to engage with leaders, youth, and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians committed to progress." 

"In addition to these meaningful interactions, the Duke and Duchess will experience the rich heritage of Colombia." She added that the visit would come at a "particularly significant time" given that it precedes the Ending Violence Against Children conference.

Francia Marquez praises Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Archewell Foundation

"The Archewell Foundation, founded by the Duke and Duchess, is renowned for its global leadership in fostering a safer online environment," Francia Marquez said.

"The forthcoming conference will unveil a comprehensive framework for creating safer physical and digital spaces, tackling issues such as cyberbullying, online exploitation, and the mental health impacts of these threats," she added.

"It will offer actionable solutions and commitments for countries around the world. During their visit, The Duke and Duchess, as well as The Archewell Foundation, will engage in several activities related to this important topic," the Colombian Vice President went on. "We are confident that their visit will further illuminate Colombia's role as a beacon of culture and innovation."

CBS releases clip of upcoming interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Simultaneously with the announcement about Colombia, CBS unveiled a teaser for an upcoming interview featuring Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, in which the Duke stated that parents must act as "first responders."

The Prince went on to say that "terrifyingly" many parents do not know to "tell the signs of possible suicide."

The entire interview is set to air on the US channel's 'Sunday Morning' program, following their shocking interview with Oprah Winfrey on the same network three years prior.

Markle said, "Our kids are young, they're three and five, they're amazing, but all you want to do as parents is protect them. And so as we can see what's happening in the online space, we know that there's a lot of work to be done there and we're just happy to be able to be a part of change for good."

Presenter Jane Pauley said, "Well you hope that when your children ask for help, someone is there to give it." Harry then added, "If you know how to help." And Pauley said, "Thank you." 

The prince continued, "At this point we've got to the stage where almost every parent needs to be a first responder. And even the best first responders in the world wouldn't be able to tell the signs of possible suicide. That is the terrifying piece of this."

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle went on a three-day visit to Nigeria

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle traveled to Nigeria for three days in May at the request of the head of the nation's defense staff.

The royal couple went to a school, had training sessions for a charity that works with the Invictus Games and met wounded servicemen at a military hospital.

They also attended a reception honoring military families, and Meghan co-hosted a Women in Leadership event with World Trade Organization director-general Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

The duo's other engagements included a basketball camp with Giants of Africa, a cultural reception, and a polo fundraiser for Nigeria: Unconquered.

King Charles III reportedly isn't answering estranged son Prince Harry's calls 

The news follows reports from Prince Harry's acquaintances that King Charles III is becoming increasingly aloof from his estranged son, never returning his calls nor writing letters.

The Duke and the King had their last in-person meeting in February, spending 45 minutes in London after learning about the monarch's cancer diagnosis.

However, some close to Harry claim that since then, communication between them has gotten worse as tensions about the Duke's struggle to ensure his safety while in Britain have grown.

The Duke of Sussex is said to be "frightened" about the safety of his wife Markle and children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet and believes the King has the power to intervene in his ongoing court case with the Home Office.

According to sources who spoke with People, the father and son used to be frustrated over the security issue, but it has since evolved into "complete silence."

A friend of Harry's said, "He gets unavailable right now. His calls go unanswered. He has tried to reach out about the King's health, but those calls go unanswered too." 

Prince Harry last visited the UK in May 

The Duke of Sussex was unable to see his father, King Charles III, on his most recent visit to the UK, which was intended to commemorate the Invictus Games' tenth anniversary in May. Prince Harry's spokesman said at the time that this was due to the King's "full programme."

The magazine also quoted sources claiming Markle wishes Harry "could let go of these lawsuits" over their security because she wants the Duke to be "free" and "live in the moment."

"(Meghan) wants him to be free of all of this, but she also knows that because of everything he's been through and his love for [her and their children], he can't. She wants him to live in a world where he is not burdened by this," said a former employee of the Archewell Foundation.

Internet praises Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for their upcoming Colombia tour

The royal duo would be mighty pleased to know that netizens have fully backed their daring call to visit the Latin American country this year despite cautions given by the UK and US governments.

One X user tweeted, "I love them!!! Can’t wait to follow them and see them do what they love."

Another wrote, "I love Harry and Meghan on international trips! 3rd trip - Canada, Nigeria and now Columbia!"

"Yaaay. Nice. Very excited can’t wait to learn more about the amazing people of Columbia !" remarked one.

"Haters will never bring them down. They predicted that the prince and the princess would have faded into obscurity in 4 or 5 years. But 5 years later, the couple has gone from strength to strength," remarked someone else.

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