Harry and Meghan are 'obviously being manipulated' by Colombia's left-wing Government as tour raises fears

She has pledged to give greater support to marginalised communities, and San Basilio has now been granted special status, meaning it will get its own mayor and state funding.

Marquez, 42, is a left-wing environmental campaigner and social activist who grew up in rural poverty in Colombia’s violence-plagued southwest.

She was put in charge of Colombia’s first ministry for equality in 2023, but critics claim it has yet to do anything meaningful with the millions of pesos in its budget.

A source told The Mail: "She came in promising to help poor people – especially women.

"Instead, like everyone who gets a taste of power, she’s enjoying it."

Marquez has been accused of taking helicopters "like taxis", however, she claims she uses them because of the threats against her.

The vice president has also been accused of spending millions on a new home.

Many Colombians believe both she and President Gustavo Petro have failed to deliver on the promises that swept them to power two years ago.

Some commentators view the Sussexes’ visit to Colombia as an attempt by the left-wing Government to divert attention from a series of scandals.

A prominent Bogota lawyer told The Mail: "I’m sure Meghan and Harry mean well, but everyone here is talking about how obviously they are being manipulated.

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"The 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."

On Sunday the duke and duchess are also expected to visit a music festival in the city of Cali.

The Petronio Alvarez Festival takes place every August at a sports complex.