Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s much-hyped four-day tour of Colombia has been marked by its fair share of spectacle and controversy. Arriving in Bogotá, the Sussexes were welcomed by Colombia’s Vice President Francia Márquez and immediately embarked on a whirlwind itinerary that included visits to a local school, an arts center, and an internet safety summit. The couple’s every move was closely monitored, with tight security in place to ensure their safety—a royal tour in every sense of the word.

However, amidst the glitz and glamor, Meghan Markle’s long-claimed fluency in Spanish was unexpectedly put to the test—and failed. Despite her previous boasts about her linguistic prowess, Meghan was seen using translation devices during multiple events, a stark contrast to her claims of fluency. This revelation was particularly surprising given her self-promoted narrative of being a skilled Spanish speaker, a claim rooted in her 2002 internship at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires. Over the years, she has spoken of her time in Argentina and a subsequent stint in Madrid as proof of her command of the language.

Yet, the sight of Meghan relying on a translator raised eyebrows and cast doubt on her earlier assertions. Even more telling was the fact that Prince Harry, who has never claimed to be fluent in Spanish, seemed to manage without such assistance. Meghan’s apparent dependence on the translation device was not just a minor oversight; it was a moment that peeled back the carefully constructed facade of her multilingual abilities.

The situation reached an almost comical peak when Meghan was seen gesturing for another translation device, possibly intended for Harry, further cementing the perception that her linguistic skills were more imagined than real. This incident has led to growing skepticism about Meghan’s claims, not just regarding Spanish but also her previously touted proficiency in French.

As the tour progresses, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Meghan’s interactions in Colombia are less about genuine engagement and more about maintaining a public image. Her reliance on translation devices, rather than attempting to speak even basic Spanish phrases, has highlighted a lack of effort and respect for the host country’s culture.

The Colombian tour, intended to showcase Meghan’s abilities and philanthropic spirit, has instead shone a spotlight on the disparity between her public persona and reality. Rather than reinforcing her image as a global citizen and polyglot, the trip has exposed the extent to which Meghan is willing to go to craft and maintain her narrative. In the grand performance of Meghan Markle’s public life, this tour has revealed that the carefully scripted lines don’t always hold up under scrutiny.