Colombians hit out as 'pressing problems' ignored during Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's tour

The couple spent much of the visit enjoying local culture and discussing digital issues such as cyber-bullying and mental health online.

Although the couple received glowing reviews after their four-day trip, Colombia as a country continues to face economic and social issues with high levels of crime.

One local journalist told the Telegraph: "People are expecting the Government to address these issues rather than focus on a high-profile event with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

"Although addressing and confronting cyber-bullying in children is an important issue, it is not the most pressing problem we face."

A conservative politician and 2026 presidential hopeful Maria Fernanda Cabal also told the publication: "The invitation to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex brings absolutely no cultural exchange or anything of the sort.

"It is part of the showmanship of a vice president who is disconnected from the reality of the country."

GB News has contacted the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's representatives for comment.

The couple were hosted and shown around the country by Colombia's vice-president, Francia Marquez, who invited them after watching their docuseries on Netflix.

During the four-day tour, Harry and Meghan visited a school, held a seminar on digital safety and met with the Colombian Invictus Games team.

To end the trip, Meghan delivered a speech in Spanish which saw her pay tribute to powerful "Afro women" and revealed her daughter Princess Lilibet, three, has now "found her voice".

"I can feel this embrace from Colombia. It is incredible, thank you very much," the Duchess of Sussex said in Spanish to the forum of Afro-Colombian women and leaders, revealing that she learned the language 20 years ago.

The role of leaders implies working "to reduce inequality and poverty" in black communities, panellist Ana Granja said in describing challenges for female leaders in Colombia.

She said the struggle of black women to participate in politics is more complex because of racism and discrimination.

"Our living conditions make us strong, brave women," Colombia's vice president added.

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Marquez asked the couple to generate financial support and strengthen social programs for women affected by gender violence and youth.

The event’s objective was to show the work "to restore dignity to ethnic peoples" and promote actions for the development and welfare of women, children and adolescents, the vice president said.

A day earlier, Harry and Meghan visited two towns recognised for preserving their African roots.

They met with communities and leaders in San Basilio de Palenque in Cartagena, located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.