Harry and Meghan to have 'huge' security team in Colombia after vice president assassination attempt

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will have a huge security team in Colombia during their tour of the South American nation, according to an insider.

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Svar Nanan-Sen

By Svar Nanan-Sen


Published: 12/08/2024

- 15:54

Updated: 12/08/2024

- 16:54

The cost of the security will be picked up by the Colombian taxpayer

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will have a huge security team in Colombia during their tour of the South American nation, according to an insider.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are set to undertake a four-day visit to Colombia in August.


The couple accepted the invitation of the vice president of Colombian Francia Márquez to tour several cities across the nation.

Security concerns have been raised regarding the overseas tour but an insider told the Mail the couple will have a lot of security with them as they will be with the vice president.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will have a huge security team in Colombia during their tour of the South American nation, according to an insider.

Getty

The source said: "They will be with the vice president and she has a lot of security because there have been assassination attempts on her life.

"But people are grumbling about why the Colombian taxpayer should pick up what will be huge security costs for what is essentially a public relations exercise for the Sussexes and for a government which desperately needs to deflect away from its failures."

Last year, the vice president of Colombia said her protection officers thwarted an attempt to kill her.

She said they found an explosive near her family home in south-west Colombia.

Francia M\u00e1rquez

Last year, the vice president of Colombia said her protection officers thwarted an attempt to kill her.

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Márquez also survived an assassination attempt in 2019 linked to her former work as an environmental activist.

The vice president said when announcing the couple's upcoming visit to Colombia: "I am pleased to announce that Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have kindly accepted my invitation to visit our beautiful country.

"During their trip, The Duke and Duchess will join me in visiting Bogotá, 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.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are set to undertake a four-day visit to Colombia in August.

Getty

"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 Archewell Foundation, founded by The Duke and Duchess, is renowned for its global leadership in fostering a safer online environment.

"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."

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