Meghan Markle and Prince Harry branded ‘innocents abroad’ as Michael Cole warns Sussexes ‘should be concerned’ about next move

The couple will visit the crime-ravaged country on Thursday, with stop offs scheduled in Bogota, Cartagena and Cali.

Cole told GB News: “I think the Duke and Duchess of Sussex should be concerned. They have only their celebrity to sell and they must not sell it too cheaply.

“Colombia at the moment has a government mired in controversy and some degree of scandal.

“I believe the duke would benefit from having the expertise of Buckingham Palace because there is careful consideration and research done.

“The late Queen had very few regrets but she did regret the state visit of Nicolae Ceauşescu, the tyrannical president of Romania who travelled to Britain in 1978.

“Eleven years after that visit, he was shot, alongside his wife, by a Romanian firing squad. When these state visits happen, it does give credence to any particular regime being visited.

“There is a danger of their celebrity and willingness to help underprivileged people is being undermined by a certain naivety.”

The couple were invited to the country by its vice president Francia Marquez.

Marquez, a lawyer and human rights and environmental activist said in a statement: “During their trip, the duke and duchess will join me in visiting Bogota, as well as the Caribbean and Pacific regions of Cartagena and Cali.

“In these vibrant locations, they will have the exceptional opportunity to engage with leaders, youth and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians committed to progress.

“In addition to these meaningful interactions, the duke and duchess will experience the rich heritage of Colombia.”

The trip will their second official tour of the year after they visited Nigeria in May taking part in a range of activities over three days.

Details of their Colombian itinerary have not been released by the Archewell Foundation, their charity, but the vice president said they would “engage in several activities” related to safeguarding young people online and in physical spaces.

Marquez, who is also minister of equality and equity, said: “The forthcoming conference will unveil a comprehensive framework for creating safer physical and digital spaces, tackling issues such as cyberbullying, online exploitation, and the mental health impacts of these threats.

“It will offer actionable solutions and commitments for countries around the world. During their visit, The Duke and Duchess, as well as The Archewell Foundation, will engage in several activities related to this important topic.

“We are confident that their visit will further illuminate Colombia’s role as a beacon of culture and innovation.”