Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are being "manipulated" with their unofficial royal tour of Colombia, locals fear.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are set to visit the South American country next week after being personally invited by vice president Francia Marquez.
But Colombians remain unconvinced by the tour and fear Meghan and Harry are being exploited as a PR exercise for the government of the scandal hit nation.
"I'm sure Meghan and Harry mean well, but everyone here is talking about how obviously they are being manipulated," a Colombian lawyer told the Mail on Sunday.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will visit Colombia next weekPA"Of course, their star-power will be used to bring attention to poor people and certain areas of culture in Colombia... but the reality is the Colombian government has been drowning in scandal since it came in two years ago.
"They need something to appease people at home and make them look good abroad."
When the visit was announced at the start of this month, the vice president office promised the trip would be compatible with the missions undertaken by the Sussexes' Archewell Foundation.
A statement from Marquez said at the time: "They will have the exceptional opportunity to engage with leaders, youth, and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians committed to progress.
Vice president Francia Marquez personally invited the couple to Colombia
GETTY
Meghan and Harry's exact agenda for the tour has been kept under wraps
GETTY"In addition to these meaningful interactions, The Duke and Duchess will experience the rich heritage of Colombia.
"Their visit comes at a particularly significant time, as it precedes the first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, to be held in Colombia this November."
The visit comes amid difficult times for the Colombian government. Since coming to power in 2022, President Gustavo Petro has been accused of cheating on his wife and his son is facing up to 25 years in jail after multiple charges of corruption.
Marquez herself has faced criticism. After a rags to riches backstory, she has been criticised for often travelling by helicopter and of spending millions doing up a new home rather than living in the official vice president's residence.
As well as being vice president, Marquez also holds the title of Minister of Equality and Equity but is accused of failing to do anything in the role.
Member of the House of Representatives of Colombia, Miguel Polo Polo, wrote on social media: 'Francia Marquez is the biggest fraud in our black community.
"She's been in office for two years and has done nothing, only play the victim and travel around in helicopters."
Meghan and Harry's visit will start on Thursday next week, although exact details of the itinerary remain under wraps.