As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle prepare for their upcoming four-day tour of Colombia, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been cautioned against potential pitfalls that could undermine their efforts. Specifically, they’ve been advised to steer clear of being used to push political or personal agendas, a situation that has previously ensnared other royals, including Prince Andrew.

The couple’s visit, scheduled for this month, follows an invitation extended by Colombia’s Vice President, Francia Márquez. While the Sussexes’ trip is not officially a royal tour, their high-profile presence is expected to draw significant attention. However, insiders warn that their involvement in international engagements could be viewed as irrelevant to Britain’s interests, especially since they no longer hold official royal duties.

Concerns have been raised about the potential for Harry and Meghan to inadvertently find themselves in “Prince Andrew territory,” a reference to the former royal’s controversial connections and associations that have overshadowed his public image. The warning suggests that the Sussexes must be vigilant to avoid aligning with individuals or causes that could lead to similar scrutiny.

The tour will take Harry and Meghan to several key cities in Colombia, including Bogotá, Cartagena, and Cali. During their stay, they are set to engage with leaders, youth, and women who represent Colombia’s aspirations for progress. The visit is also seen as a precursor to the Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, scheduled for November in Colombia. The Archewell Foundation, founded by the Sussexes, will play a role in this conference, focusing on issues like cyberbullying, online exploitation, and mental health.

Despite the positive intentions behind the visit, security concerns loom large. Given the history of assassination attempts against Vice President Márquez, the couple will be accompanied by extensive security measures. However, there is public discontent in Colombia about the substantial costs associated with these security arrangements, particularly as the visit is perceived by some as a public relations exercise rather than a meaningful diplomatic mission.

As Harry and Meghan embark on this international engagement, they will need to carefully navigate these challenges to ensure their actions align with their broader goals and avoid potential pitfalls that could damage their reputation further.