Colombia’s Vice President Demands Reimbursement from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

In a surprising turn of events, Francia Marquez, Colombia's vice president, has publicly called for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to repay the substantial costs linked to their recent visit to the country.

The couple's trip, which was framed as an effort to highlight social issues, has come under fire for what many believe to be a grossly underestimated expense of just £45,000 (around $70,000).

This figure, however, has raised eyebrows and sparked outrage among critics who argue it fails to account for the true financial burden of hosting such high-profile guests.

The controversy erupted after reports surfaced indicating that the actual costs of the Sussexes' visit far exceeded the official estimates.

Critics have pointed out that the listed amount is woefully inadequate to cover the extensive security measures, accommodations, and logistical arrangements necessary for a visit of this magnitude.

Adding fuel to the fire, it appears the couple was not officially invited by the Colombian government and allegedly funded the trip themselves.

Francia Marquez is now facing intense scrutiny over her handling of the situation.

The claim that the entire visit cost just £45,000 has been met with skepticism, especially considering the size of Prince Harry and Meghan's entourage, which reportedly included over 20 staff members along with a significant security detail.

The logistics of coordinating the visit involved 3,000 soldiers and multiple security agencies, not to mention the helicopter transport needed to move between locations.

Given these factors, experts estimate the real cost of the visit could run into several million dollars, raising questions about the accuracy of the figures presented.

The narrative around the visit has shifted from one of tourism and goodwill to a heated debate over the true expenses incurred during the trip.

Marquez's attempt to minimize the reported costs has sparked outrage, with many Colombians demanding transparency and a detailed breakdown of expenditures.

Critics are questioning whether the figures provided were an intentional misrepresentation or indicative of serious financial mismanagement.

The backlash against Marquez intensified as it became evident that the stated amount would barely cover basic security costs.

Just deploying 3,000 soldiers alone could cost around $40,000 per day, excluding additional expenses for police and other logistical needs.

With the visit lasting four days and three nights, it's clear that the total expenses would surpass the claimed £45,000 by a significant margin.

This discrepancy has led to rampant speculation about where the real money went, with some critics even pondering if funds were diverted from charitable contributions linked to the Invictus Games Foundation, which Harry and Meghan support.

Adding to the chaos, public sentiment in Colombia has turned sour, with citizens expressing outrage over what they perceive as a misuse of funds.

Protests have erupted, as people demand accountability from both the Colombian government and the visiting royals.

The discontent has only been heightened by revelations of disorganized events and subpar accommodations, further damaging the reputation of the visit.

Instead of being a catalyst for positive change, Harry and Meghan's trip has morphed into a symbol of financial mismanagement and political scandal.

Their alleged self-funding of the trip, combined with the ambiguity surrounding the costs, has left many feeling skeptical and distrustful of the entire endeavor.

The fallout from this controversial visit is far from over.

Marquez's demand for reimbursement underscores significant discrepancies in the financial reporting associated with the tour, igniting a broader discussion about the true costs of hosting high-profile visitors.