Harry and Meghan’s visit to Colombia is said to have cost them nearly $2 million.
During their four-day visit to the South American country , the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited Bogota, Cali and Cartagerna. Colombia’s Vice President and Minister of Equality and Justice Francia Marquez hailed the Sussexes’ visit as a “success”.
“The whole world has noticed Colombia’s cultural diversity and richness, which proves that we are not a country of violence. We are a country of hope, of brotherhood, of good hosts. We are a country of peace,” said Ms. Marquez.
El Pais reported that the Department for Equalities and Fairness also confirmed that Harry and Meghan paid for all their own expenses. A department spokesperson revealed: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are funding their own travel and that of their entourage from their own resources.”
The ministry also highlighted the visit as an opportunity for Colombians to connect with the Archewell Foundation, the charity founded by Harry and Meghan . They expressed hope that the visit would promote Colombia as a top destination for business and tourism.
The spokesperson added: “It was a very productive visit, facilitating links between the people and the Archewell Foundation – founded and led by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex – which promotes programmes aimed at women’s economic empowerment, preventing cyber-violence against children and young people, and supporting leaders in building peace through arts and culture.”
The Spanish newspaper El Pais reported that the Colombian government paid for almost nothing for the visit. However, some of the Sussexes’ travel expenses were reportedly covered by the government of President Gustavo Petro. Some of their meals were also provided by the state.