Meghan and Harry's high-security visit to volatile Bogotá

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have embarked on another international journey. This time, the former royal couple are in Colombia, planting trees with students and discussing responsibility in the era of widespread digitalisation. The couple are accompanied by extraordinary security personnel.

Although Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are officially no longer members of the royal family, they have been travelling around the world for some time now. The exact nature of their visits remains somewhat unclear, but their presence attracts significant local interest. This was evident, for example, in Nigeria, where they announced a collaboration between their foundation and a local organisation.

The couple is currently in Colombia, where they are participating in a series of closed and open meetings with locals. A notable detail in the photos indicates that in South America, Meghan, who was wearing Princess Diana’s earrings, and Harry can count on enhanced security measures. They are accompanied by bodyguards carrying special bulletproof shields, which are discreetly held above the heads of the former royals.

For instance, during their visit to La Giralda school on Friday, one of the bodyguards stood behind Harry, holding a shield as he planted a tree on the school grounds. The heightened security measures for Meghan and Harry are also evident in government recordings. The school they visited is located in the Santa Fe neighbourhood in Bogotá, which is considered a hazardous and violent area. Even locals prefer not to venture there at night.

It is worth noting, however, that the former royal couple are not receiving special treatment regarding security. Similar shields are used to protect Colombia’s Vice President Francia Márquez, who, along with her family, has been the target of several assassination attempts.

Harry and Meghan’s four-day trip to Colombia will include planting trees with students and visiting the Centro Nacional de las Artes Delia Zapata Olivella, an arts and cultural centre.