Royal Family LIVE: Prince Harry and Meghan’s offer to Colombia after £1.5m security row
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle aimed to “show up and do good” through their charity, The Archewell Foundation, and donated gifts to the country.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Colombia
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle donated a number of gifts to the country during their four-day visit to Colombia at the invitation of the vice president, Francia Marquez.
The couple has stated their goal was to “show up and do good, no matter where we are in the world” through their charity, The Archewell Foundation.
Among the gifts, the Montecito-based couple donated a number of drum sets to Escuela Tambores de Cabildo and upgrades to a “socio-emotional gym” at the Colegio La Giralda school. They will also donate funds that will be used to upgrade a “secure environment for local children to explore, learn, and connect” in San Basilio de Palenque.
The couple said: “Each of these initiatives underscores our commitment to making a difference and supporting programs that uplift and empower individuals and communities.”
Although Harry and Meghan were hit with accusations that their huge security bills cost the country over £1.5 million, Colombian officials have insisted the pair financed the whole trip themselves.
El Pais reports that the Ministry confirmed the Sussexes covered their own travel expenses. A spokesperson from the Ministry said: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex financed their trip and that of their team with their own resources.” International agencies are said to have helped contribute towards the costs.