Harry and Meghan’s Colombian tour has reached a new low that even the most skeptical observers might not have predicted. What was intended as a grand showcase of their global influence has instead devolved into a series of embarrassing missteps and sparse attendance.
The tour began with high hopes and lofty expectations, featuring Meghan Markle’s keynote speech on online safety at the Responsible Digital Future Summit. Hosted by the Archewell Foundation in collaboration with the Colombian Vice President’s office and Illuminat, the event was poised to be a highlight. However, it quickly became apparent that the audience was disappointingly small. Meghan’s call for online trolls to reflect on their values before posting hurtful comments fell largely on deaf ears, exacerbated by the event’s sparse attendance and Meghan’s limited Spanish proficiency.
The situation only worsened when it became clear that few people had shown up to hear Meghan speak, leading to a sea of empty seats that spoke volumes about the event’s reception. Despite efforts to improve turnout, it appears that the Sussexes struggled to attract a significant audience throughout their tour. Rumors of hiring crowds, as reportedly done during their Nigeria tour, were likely unfounded this time, leaving the Duke and Duchess facing empty venues without any added fanfare.
The subsequent events did little to improve their fortunes. With minimal seating arrangements and scorching temperatures, the prospect of people willingly enduring the heat to hear Harry and Meghan was almost laughable. The sparse crowds were further demoralized by the personal embarrassments faced by the couple. Meghan’s sweat stains, though minor, became a media focal point, while Harry’s thinning hair became an unavoidable topic of discussion, further underscoring the contrast between their current reality and their once-glamorous public image.
Adding to the absurdity was the extensive security presence. Despite the lack of crowds, over 3,000 security personnel, including military forces, were reportedly deployed. The sight of heavily armed guards at nearly empty venues seemed almost poetic—a stark symbol of the tour’s futility.
Ultimately, the Colombian tour has served as a poignant reminder of Harry and Meghan’s fading relevance. Their attempts to recapture the spotlight have only highlighted how far they’ve strayed from their former prominence. This tour has unambiguously illustrated that the Sussexes are no longer the captivating figures they once were, leaving their current efforts to remain in the limelight feeling increasingly futile.
