Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s recent tour of Colombia, intended as a blend of diplomacy and cultural exchange, has instead sparked skepticism and raised eyebrows over the authenticity of their public interactions. The couple, no longer bound by their official royal roles since stepping down in 2020, appeared eager to maintain a semblance of royal glamour. However, their carefully curated image seemed to unravel as the trip progressed.

The visit began with a breakfast meeting in Bogotá, where Meghan and Harry were hosted by Colombia’s Vice President Francia Márquez and her husband, Rafael Yini Pino. Meghan, dressed in a lavish £598 Veronica Beard vest, appeared poised as ever, while Harry, in a tailored navy suit, played the role of the attentive husband. Yet, it was their seemingly staged interactions that drew the most attention. Lip-reading expert Nicola Hickling noted a curious exchange between the couple, where Meghan whispered a command, “Hand,” to which Harry promptly responded, “Here you go.” This exchange, perceived by many as calculated and almost robotic, only fueled speculation about the true nature of their relationship.

Critics have pointed out the almost parental dynamic between Meghan and Harry, with some suggesting that the once vibrant prince has become a compliant figure, molded by Meghan’s influence. This shift in Harry’s demeanor has led to broader concerns about his well-being and the extent to which he has lost his identity in the shadow of his wife’s ambitions.

The couple’s visit to Colegio Cultura Popular, a children’s school in Bogotá, further highlighted these concerns. While Harry attempted to charm the crowd by speaking in Spanish and discussing his children, a subtle slip in his speech—referring to “my children” instead of “our children”—raised questions about the state of their relationship and Meghan’s role in their family life. His comments on keeping his children off social media were met with mixed reactions, with some finding his statements naive given the realities of raising children in a digital age.

As their tour continues, the couple’s public displays of affection and scripted interactions have only deepened the public’s skepticism. Invited by Vice President Márquez to discuss issues such as cyberbullying, the couple’s agenda appears well-intentioned. However, the carefully orchestrated nature of their appearances has led many to question the sincerity of their efforts.

In the end, Meghan and Harry’s Colombian tour has served as a stark reminder that when it comes to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, appearances can be deceiving. Beneath the smiles and handshakes lies a relationship that seems increasingly fraught with tension and a public image that, despite their best efforts, remains under constant scrutiny.