Royal protection officer lifts lid on Meghan Markle and Prince Harry visiting the 'most dangerous country'

This is despite both the UK and US governments issuing travel alerts for the country amid the risk of terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping.

The Sussexes' decision to accept an invitation to visit the country from its Vice President Francia Márquez comes amid Harry's ongoing security battle in the UK.

One British former royal protection officer, who served Harry's family for several years, told The Mail: "They have chosen to visit one, if not the most, dangerous countries in the world. But nothing amazes me [with Harry and Meghan] these days."

The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office "advises against all but essential travel to parts of Colombia".

Meanwhile, the US Department of State issued a travel advisory for Colombia stating: "Reconsider travel due to crime and terrorism.

"Exercise increased caution due to civil unrest and kidnapping.

"Some areas have increased risk."

It comes after the duke and duchess took a four-person security team to Nigeria for their tour in May amid concerns over the risk of violence, terrorism and kidnapping in the country.

In Colombia, the Sussexes will "engage with leaders, youth and women" and join activities related to "cyberbullying, online exploitation and the mental health impacts of these threats".

Márquez's office said the couple would "experience the rich heritage of Colombia" and help "illuminate Colombia's role as a beacon of culture and innovation".

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She added the visit would precede the first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, which will be in Colombia this November.

It comes after Harry, who now lives in Montecito, California, lost his High Court challenge in London in February against the UK Government over his right to state-funded police protection when visiting Britain.

The duke told a judge he did not feel able to bring his children Archie, five, and Lilibet, three, to the UK and could not put Meghan "in danger like that".

Harry was then permitted in May to go to the Court of Appeal over the decision made in 2020 by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec), part of the Home Office.