Meghan Markle's 'Revenge Tour': Sussex Colombia Trip Labeled 'Furious' Message to Palace Amid Staff Exodus
In a move that has ignited fresh controversy within royal circles, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, are set to embark on what some critics are calling a "faux royal tour" to Colombia. This decision has raised eyebrows and sparked debate about the couple's intentions and their ongoing relationship with the British Royal Family.
The upcoming visit to the South American nation marks the Sussexes' second tour since stepping down as working royals in 2020. Their previous engagement, a three-day trip to Nigeria in May, set a precedent for their post-royal international activities. However, the choice of Colombia as their next destination has drawn particular scrutiny, given the country's reputation for high crime rates and Meghan's previous reluctance to visit the UK citing security concerns.
A source close to the couple, speaking to OK! magazine on condition of anonymity, provided insight into what they claim is Meghan's perspective on the tour. "Meghan sees this Colombia tour as her chance to prove to the world what a big star she is and how much the Royal Family misses her," the insider revealed. "She knows how much she can turn it on and doing events like this was the one thing about royal life that appealed to her. She was furious when that was taken away because she knows she's such an asset."
The source's comments suggest that the tour may be viewed by the Sussexes as a form of "ultimate revenge" against the Royal Family. According to the insider, when Harry and Meghan left their official royal roles, "they asked that they could still represent the family on tours but were told no, so she feels it's the ultimate revenge as they were both so upset when they were rejected."
This narrative of tension and perceived slights adds another layer to the complex relationship between the Sussexes and the rest of the Royal Family. The couple's decision to step back from royal duties in 2020 sent shockwaves through the monarchy and has led to ongoing speculation about their future roles and relationship with the institution.
While the exact itinerary for the Colombia visit has yet to be confirmed, it is understood that the couple will travel to the capital Bogotá and coastal areas of the country. The trip will reportedly include meetings with young people and youth leaders, aligning with the Sussexes' focus on youth empowerment and social issues.
The announcement of the tour comes at a time when the Sussexes are facing other challenges in their post-royal life. Recent reports indicate that Prince Harry's new chief of staff, Josh Kettler, has resigned after just three months in the role. Kettler, a seasoned public relations professional, was hired to "guide him [Harry] through his next phase" but departed in what sources describe as a mutual decision, with "both sides agreeing it wasn't the right fit."
This latest staffing change adds to a pattern of high turnover within the Sussexes' organization since their move to California. According to reports, nine employees have left their service since the relocation, leading to questions about the couple's management style and working environment.
A former staffer, speaking to the Daily Mail, provided a stark assessment of the situation: "What may be most telling is that the entire time I worked there, I don't think I heard a single current or former employee on their staff say they would take the job again if given the chance. These aren't employees they had just found off the streets. Many of them are people who had previously excelled working for demanding bosses in high-performance companies and environments."
The Colombia tour and its surrounding controversy highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Harry and Meghan as they navigate their post-royal lives. Their attempts to carve out a unique role on the global stage continue to be met with both support and criticism, reflecting the complex dynamics at play in their relationship with the Royal Family and the public.
As the tour approaches, royal watchers and the media will undoubtedly be closely monitoring the Sussexes' activities in Colombia. The success or failure of this venture could have significant implications for their future endeavors and their standing in the international arena.
The Royal Family has not officially commented on the Sussexes' planned tour to Colombia. However, the event is likely to be watched closely by Buckingham Palace, as it may set precedents for how former working royals engage in quasi-official international activities.