Colombian locals have said Prince Harry should apologise for the royal family’s role in slavery during his visit to the country, as Charles axes disgraced Prince Andrew’s security team.
On the third day of their quasi royal tour of Colombia, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were welcomed to San Basilio de Palenque, which was established as the first free African town in the Americas in 1619.
Ahead of their arrival, locals were hopeful that Harry could use the visit as an opportunity to address his family’s role in the colonial slave trade.
“I think he does have to [apologise], to free our hearts and our minds and ask for a pardon,” said Segundo Caceres Reyes, 49, the president of the town’s local police told The Telegraph.
Back in the UK, it has been reported that Charles is to axe the Duke of York’s security team. Andrew’s private security have been privately funded by Charles after he lost publicly-funded police protection in 2022.
According to The Sun on Sunday, members of the security detail have been told their services will not be needed from November.
Key Points
- Harry should apologise for crown’s role in slavery, Colombian locals say
- King axes Andrew’s private security team
- Harry and Meghan dubbed a ‘symbol of resistance’ as they continue Colombian tour
- Harry and Meghan tour Colombia with ‘ring of steel’ security
Pictures: Harry and Meghan play the drums as they visit Colombian music school
11:27
Athena Stavrou
CEO of Colombian school describes ‘emotional’ moment during Meghan and Harry visit
11:12
Athena Stavrou
The CEO of a Colombian school has described an “emotional” moment during Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s visit.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the Colegio La Giralda on the outskirts of the South American nation’s capital Bogota.
“ It was so special for us to have Harry and Meghan come and visit us and the staff and children were all very excited,” School CEO Diana Basto said.
“It was a lovely experience to have them here. They visited various parts of the school including the memorial museum section where they learned about people who have been killed in previous conflicts in Colombia’s history.
“It was emotional for them and from their to the kindergarten and then finally onto the garden where they helped plant two trees.
“There was music and dancing as they went around the school and they joined in with the dancing. Then Harry had a go at the punching bag in the gym.
“They were super excited when they were given the presents and because the children in the kindergarten are the same age as Archie.”
In pictures: Harry and Meghan visit first free African town in the Americas
10:02
Athena Stavrou
King axes Andrew’s private security team
09:17
Athena Stavrou
The King is to axe the Duke of York’s security team, according to reports.
Andrew’s private security have been privately funded by Charles after he lost publicly-funded police protection in 2022.
According to The Sun on Sunday, members of the security detail have been told their services will not be needed from November.
A palace insider told the newspaper: “Everyone is speculating this means the duke will have to leave the Royal Lodge because what other reason could there be to take his security away?
Sources added: “It isn’t a secret that the King wants him out.”
The Sun said both Charles and Andrew are staying at the Balmoral estate in Scotland this weekend.
Pressure on Andrew continues to mount after the unsealing of hundreds of pages of court documents connected to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
Earlier this year, it was reported Andrew refused an offer to move out of Royal Lodge into nearby Frogmore Cottage. The duke was said to have signed a 75-year lease on the mansion in 2003.
Residents of America’s first free town say Harry should apologise for slavery on visit
08:38
Athena Stavrou
Residents of the first free African town in the Americas have said Prince Harry should apologise for the royal family’s role in slavery on his visit.
On the third day of their quasi royal tour of Colombia, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited San Basilio de Palenque, which was established as the first free African town in the Americas in 1619.
Ahead of their arrival, locals expressed their wish for Harry to use the visit as an opportunity to apologise for the royal family’s role in the slave trade.
“I think he does have to [apologise], to free our hearts and our minds and ask for a pardon,” said Segundo Caceres Reyes, 49, president of the town’s local police told The Telegraph.
“We are in the process of forgiving and forgetting because we know how hard the facts are.”
Local hairdresser Elida Canarte Diaz, 33, also voiced her hope for an apology and told the paper: “His ancestors made our ancestors go through terrible times and he can make good faith and repent to show that they don’t agree with what happened before.”
During the visit he and Meghan enjoyed speeches and performances from community leaders.
The couple greeted their hosts in the indigenous language of Palenquero before finishing in Spanish. Meghan said she was “so honoured” to visit the town. Harry described the visit as an “incredibly moving experience” before they explored the street market and watched a concert featuring local musicians.
Harry and Meghan dubbed a ‘symbol of resistance’ as they continue Colombian tour
08:19
Athena Stavrou
Harry and Meghan were dubbed as symbols “of resistance and voices against injustice” by Colombia’s vice president as they continued their tour of Colombia.
On the third day of their official tour of the country, the couple visited a music school in Cartagena before visiting San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town for Africans in the Americas in 1619.
They were greeted by the sound of booming drums as they arrived at the Escuela Tambores de Cabildo in Cartagena and participated in a drum lesson led by students alongside Colombia’s vice president Francia Marquez and her husband.
Ms Marquez gave a speech about the importance of tradition and preserving Colombian heritage, saying towns such as Cartagena represent the heart of the South American country. In particular, she said, the art of drumming symbolises freedom for black communities across the world.
Ms Marquez said part of her decision to invite the duke and duchess to Colombia was that she views them as a symbol of resistance and voices against injustice.
She said: “The duke and duchess came to Colombia… this is Colombia. This is where the roots of our ancestors and our forefathers are from. A community like this cannot be displaced.”
Cartagena is the fifth largest city in Colombia and is being impacted by gentrification and a booming tourism industry. The couple were given a small handcrafted wooden boat by a student, a tribute to the scenic coastal town and its beaches.
Harry and Meghan to attend Colombian music festival
08:00
Athena Stavrou
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s unofficial tour of Colombia began on Thursday and further details about the trip are being made public.
This includes the revelation that they will attend the Petronio Alvarez Festival today.
Mayor Alejandro Ede told the Mirror: “They are going to come to Cali and spend a day in the city.
“They’re going to visit the Petronio Alvarez Festival in the city and they’re also going to visit other social initiatives.”
Despite being undertaken in the Sussex’s capacity as private citizens, the visit has had many of the hallmarks of a royal tour.
Prince Harry ‘turned down stay at Buckingham Palace’ on last visit to London
07:00
Athena Stavrou
The Duke of Sussex turned down a stay at Buckingham Palace in favour of a hotel on his last trip to London.
Prince Harry was invited to use apartments at the palace when he visited the UK to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Invictus Games, The Times reported.
Instead, the duke opted to stay in a more humble hotel for the visit, in which he did not see his father or brother due to scheduling difficulties.
The King was staying at Clarence House during the visit as offered his son accommodation in the most prestigious location available.
Read full story here:
In pictures: Harry and Meghan’s second day of Colombia tour
05:00
Athena Stavrou
Prince Harry takes thinly veiled swipe at Elon Musk over social media misinformation in wake of riots
03:00
Athena Stavrou
Prince Harry took a veiled swipe at Elon Musk over the rapid spread of misinformation on social media in the wake of far-right riots across the UK.
The Duke of Sussex said “those with positions of influence” should take more responsibility for tackling lies online and warned “social cohesion as we know it has completely broken down”.
Read the full story here:
Harry and Meghan speak Spanish to schoolchildren on Colombia tour
01:00
Athena Stavrou
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have spoken to schoolchildren in Spanish as their four-day tour of Colombia continues.
Harry and Meghan took part in an art session and planted trees during a visit to a school in the capital, Bogota.
At the Colegio La Giralda, the couple’s arrival was celebrated with performances from students who wore traditional Colombian dress and performed cumbia songs with live percussion.
While visiting a nursery class, Meghan told a student in Spanish: “You’re the same age as my son Archie.”
Harry also practised his Spanish, asking students their names and ages before the children performed a song and gave the couple gifts.
Harry joins in volleyball game during visit to Invictus Games athletes
Saturday 17 August 2024 21:30
Athena Stavrou
The Duke of Sussex joined in a game of volleyball on a visit to Colombian Invictus Games athletes in Bogota.
Harry and the Duchess of Sussex met athletes training for the Games, which were founded by the duke, during a visit to the Centro de Rehabilitacion Inclusiva on the second day of their visit to Colombia’s capital.
The couple were welcomed by military officials before touring the centre’s swimming pool, rock climbing wall gym and rehabilitation facilities, chatting with the athletes about their exercise programmes.
“It’s amazing to see how many people can come together to form one team,” Harry said to an Invictus team member while touring the centre’s cardiovascular room, Meghan saying the athletes were “all so incredible to watch.
They were accompanied by Colombia’s Vice President Francia Marquez and her partner Rafael Yerney Pinillo, who joined Harry in taking part in the volleyball match.
CEO of Colombian school describes ‘emotional’ moment during Meghan and Harry visit
Saturday 17 August 2024 20:00
Athena Stavrou
The CEO of a Colombian school has described an “emotional” moment during Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s visit.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the Colegio La Giralda on the outskirts of the South American nation’s capital Bogota.
“ It was so special for us to have Harry and Meghan come and visit us and the staff and children were all very excited,” School CEO Diana Basto said.
“It was a lovely experience to have them here. They visited various parts of the school including the memorial museum section where they learned about people who have been killed in previous conflicts in Colombia’s history.
“It was emotional for them and from their to the kindergarten and then finally onto the garden where they helped plant two trees.
“There was music and dancing as they went around the school and they joined in with the dancing. Then Harry had a go at the punching bag in the gym.
“They were super excited when they were given the presents and because the children in the kindergarten are the same age as Archie.”
Full story: Inside the ring of steel protecting Harry and Meghan as they tour Colombia
Saturday 17 August 2024 18:30
Athena Stavrou
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are being protected by a ‘ring of steel’ as they continue their quasi royal tour of Colombia.
Harry and Meghan are being protected alongside Francia Marquez, who has had threats against her life since becoming the country’s first female vice president.
A journalist accompanying the trio described the security presence as “massive”.
“We’ve seen 14 car and police van convoys carrying the Sussexes through the streets of Bogotá since they arrived this morning and have been on four engagements,” said Nick Pisa.
“There’s a bit of controversy with the vice president over the fact that she seems to travel everywhere by helicopter, but we should say she has been subjected to several death threats and also several attempted assassinations.”
Read the full story here:
Royal family in Balmoral for ‘crunch talks’
Saturday 17 August 2024 17:30
Athena Stavrou
The royal family are having more than just their summer break at Balmoral and are engaging in “crunch talks” about their future.
One of the most pressing topics of discussion is reportedly Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who are beginning their second unofficial tour of the year in Colombia today.
An insider told the Daily Express: “What people don’t realise is that the Balmoral gathering isn’t just a summer holiday.
“The family also participates in pre-arranged meetings where they discuss the family’s current position and how they can best prepare for the future.
“Last year was very much about honouring the Queen, as it was the King’s first time hosting the gathering since her death - but this will be about how the family can best move forward without the Sussexes.”
Harry and Meghan expected to visit ‘beacon of anti-colonialism’ former slave town
Saturday 17 August 2024 16:30
Athena Stavrou
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expected to visit a former slave town on their unofficial tour of Colombia, it has been revealed.
Described as a “beacon of anti-colonialism”, San Basilio de Palenque was founded by escaped slaves in the 17th century, The Telegraph reports.
The former working royals arrived in Colombia on Thursday following the success of their unofficial tour of Nigeria earlier this year.
This month’s tour is designed to “illuminate Colombia’s role as a beacon of culture and innovation”.
Colombian residents dub Harry and Meghan’s tour ‘a distraction’
Saturday 17 August 2024 15:25
Athena Stavrou
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s tour of Colombia has been described as a “distraction” from the country’s problems by locals.
Harry and Meghan arrived on Thursday for a visit that will “illuminate Colombia’s role as a beacon of culture and innovation”.
“I’m sure Meghan and Harry mean well, but everyone here is talking about how obviously they are being manipulated,” a Colombian lawyer told the Mail on Sunday.
“Of course, their star power will be used to bring attention to poor people and certain areas of culture in Colombia but the reality is the Colombian government has been drowning in scandal since it came in two years ago. They need something to appease people at home and make them look good abroad.”
The couple will have full security on the trip to Colombia, where issues like kidnapping are rife.
King Charles ‘still unwell’ despite return to duty - ICYMI
Saturday 17 August 2024 14:30
Athena Stavrou
King Charles is reportedly “still unwell” despite making an impressive return to duty after being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.
According to an insider, his appearances are being “fantastically well managed to give the impression that everything is fine.”
“Charles is doing a magnificent job fighting his cancer but he is still unwell,” a source told The Daily Beast.
“It is being fantastically well managed to give the impression that everything is fine, but it is noticeable to those of us who are aware of such things that the engagements are shorter and carefully scheduled; for example, he sometimes arrives by helicopter at the last minute before being choppered away and presumably collapsing in an armchair at home.”
Prince Harry takes thinly veiled swipe at Elon Musk over social media misinformation in wake of riots
Saturday 17 August 2024 13:30
Athena Stavrou
Prince Harry took a veiled swipe at Elon Musk over the rapid spread of misinformation on social media in the wake of far-right riots across the UK.
The Duke of Sussex said “those with positions of influence” should take more responsibility for tackling lies online and warned “social cohesion as we know it has completely broken down”.
Read the full story here:
In pictures: Harry and Meghan’s second day of Colombia tour
Saturday 17 August 2024 13:00
Athena Stavrou
Harry and Meghan tour Colombia with ‘ring of steel’ security
Saturday 17 August 2024 12:16
Athena Stavrou
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are being protected by a “ring of steel” security detail as they continue their four-day tour of Colombia.
Having landed in the country’s capital of Bogotá on Thursday, the pair wasted little time in greeting Francia Marquez, Colombia’s vice president, where they enjoyed lunch and discussed their goals for the visit including championing online safety.
Despite the seemingly relaxed first encounter, the Sussexes landed in a country going through some political turmoil with the government accused in some quarters of using the former working royals as “political pawns” to obscure a string of corruption allegations.
In light of this, the duke and duchess were reported to have been assigned an “immense security presence” with a “14 car and police van convoys”, according to a reporter covering the trip.
As the couple began their second day of engagements at a school, their security detail was seen protecting the couple and the vice president with a bulletproof briefcase.
Harry and Meghan meet Korean War heroes in Colombia
Saturday 17 August 2024 11:12
Athena Stavrou
On their second day of their quasi royal tour of Colombia, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle met with Korean War veterans.
Harry joined a game of volleyball with Colombian Invictus Games athletes in Bogota before sitting down to meet the veterans.
The couple toured the Centro de Rehabilitacion Inclusiva’s art hall which featured artwork created by Invictus athletes. Meghan was presented with a painting, hand-knitted animals and also a beaded necklace with matching earrings from some of the artists, while the duke was awarded a commemorative plaque from the Ministry of National Defence Veterans.
Prince Andrew welcomed back into royal fold
Saturday 17 August 2024 15:53
Athena Stavrou
Prince Andrew has been invited back into the royal fold after being disgraced for his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The Duke of York, 64, will join his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, daughters Princess Eugenie and Beatrice and the wider royal family on their summer break at Balmoral.
“Andrew has hardly left Royal Lodge since Christmas so he’s very much looking forward to getting away with the rest of the family at Balmoral,” a source told The Express.
“He’s turned into a bit of a recluse, so the girls are hoping that some nice family time with [his grandchildren] will help cheer him up a bit and bring him out of his shell.”
CEO of Colombian school describes ‘emotional’ moment during Meghan and Harry visit
Saturday 17 August 2024 10:27
Athena Stavrou
The CEO of a Colombian school has described an “emotional” moment during Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s visit.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the Colegio La Giralda on the outskirts of the South American nation’s capital Bogota.
“ It was so special for us to have Harry and Meghan come and visit us and the staff and children were all very excited,” School CEO Diana Basto said.
“It was a lovely experience to have them here. They visited various parts of the school including the memorial museum section where they learned about people who have been killed in previous conflicts in Colombia’s history.
“It was emotional for them and from their to the kindergarten and then finally onto the garden where they helped plant two trees.
“There was music and dancing as they went around the school and they joined in with the dancing. Then Harry had a go at the punching bag in the gym.
“They were super excited when they were given the presents and because the children in the kindergarten are the same age as Archie.”
Harry joins in volleyball game during visit to Invictus Games athletes
Saturday 17 August 2024 09:27
Athena Stavrou
The Duke of Sussex joined in a game of volleyball on a visit to Colombian Invictus Games athletes in Bogota.
Harry and the Duchess of Sussex met athletes training for the Games, which were founded by the duke, during a visit to the Centro de Rehabilitacion Inclusiva on the second day of their visit to Colombia’s capital.
The couple were welcomed by military officials before touring the centre’s swimming pool, rock climbing wall gym and rehabilitation facilities, chatting with the athletes about their exercise programmes.
“It’s amazing to see how many people can come together to form one team,” Harry said to an Invictus team member while touring the centre’s cardiovascular room, Meghan saying the athletes were “all so incredible to watch.
They were accompanied by Colombia’s Vice President Francia Marquez and her partner Rafael Yerney Pinillo, who joined Harry in taking part in the volleyball match.
Harry and Meghan speak Spanish to schoolchildren on Colombia tour
Saturday 17 August 2024 08:42
Athena Stavrou
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have spoken to schoolchildren in Spanish as their four-day tour of Colombia continues.
Harry and Meghan took part in an art session and planted trees during a visit to a school in the capital, Bogota.
At the Colegio La Giralda, the couple’s arrival was celebrated with performances from students who wore traditional Colombian dress and performed cumbia songs with live percussion.
While visiting a nursery class, Meghan told a student in Spanish: “You’re the same age as my son Archie.”
Harry also practised his Spanish, asking students their names and ages before the children performed a song and gave the couple gifts.
Harry and Meghan excluded from ‘happy family occasion’
Saturday 17 August 2024 08:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were not invited to join the royal family at Balmoral, it has been revealed.
However, it is unlikely that the couple, who are currently touring Colombia, would have accepted an invitation after Harry recently said the UK was too dangerous for Meghan to visit.
A source told The Express: “Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not be joining the rest of the Royal Family. “The King is keen for it to be a happy family occasion which will see members of the family come together for just over a week to discuss plans for the future and to unwind.”
Prince Andrew welcomed back into royal fold
Saturday 17 August 2024 04:00
Emma Guinness
Prince Andrew has been invited back into the royal fold after being disgraced for his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The Duke of York, 64, will join his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, daughters Princess Eugenie and Beatrice and the wider royal family on their summer break at Balmoral.
“Andrew has hardly left Royal Lodge since Christmas so he’s very much looking forward to getting away with the rest of the family at Balmoral,” a source told The Express.
“He’s turned into a bit of a recluse, so the girls are hoping that some nice family time with [his grandchildren] will help cheer him up a bit and bring him out of his shell.”
Harry and Meghan ‘have done something very important'
Saturday 17 August 2024 02:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been praised for doing “something very important” with their unofficial tours.
Harry and Meghan are currently spending four days in Colombia to promote issues including online safety and mental health awareness.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK! magazine: “So far it has all the hallmarks of a quasi-royal tour... An official welcome from the VP (a slight downgrade on a presidential welcome), a cultural event to follow... And then the serious business of the discussions about online dangers for children.
“It’s all too easy to poke fun at them for doing this semi-royal stuff after they fled the life of working royals in the UK, but they are making us talk about the dangers of the internet to our children and looking for solutions. And that has to be applauded.”
The expert added: “We don’t have to publicise what they do or say…. But the fact is they are still making headlines and - for the most part – they are using their platform to improve the lives of others.”
Meghan Markle debuts ‘regal’ look in Colombia
Saturday 17 August 2024 00:00
Emma Guinness
The Duchess of Sussex showcased “a clever nod to her royal roots” with her choice of outfit and makeup on the first day of her and Prince Harry’s Colombia tour.
Makeup artist Laura Kay told FEMAIL: “Meghan Markle’s latest look marks a distinctive evolution from her Hollywood glam days that she used to love to a more refined, royal aesthetic.
“Yesterday, at Centro Nacional de las Artes Delia Zapata, she appeared to be embracing a more sophisticated, mature, and elegant vibe.
“What first catches the eye is her shift to fresh, peachy, and pink tones, giving her complexion a regal feel. It’s a noticeable move from her past bronzed and dewy, Kardashian-inspired look – also perhaps a clever nod or reminder of her royal roots.”
Prince Harry takes aim at Elon Musk
Friday 16 August 2024 22:00
Emma Guinness
Prince Harry appears to have sent a thinly veiled insult to Elon Musk in the wake of the recent UK riots.
While discussing the impact of online misinformation in Colombia, the Duke of Sussex said “those with positions of influence” need to take more responsibility for what they say online.
“What happens online within a matter of minutes transfers to the streets. People are acting on information that isn’t true,” the duke said.
‘The Crown’ writer says he ‘isn’t done’ with royal family
Friday 16 August 2024 20:00
Emma Guinness
Peter Morgan has said that he “isn’t done” with telling the royal family’s story even though his hit series The Crown has come to an end.
When asked by The Hollywood Reporter if he stands by his decision to end the timeline at King Charles’s 2005 wedding to Queen Camilla, he said: “I cannot imagine any circumstances in which I’d want to go further into the present, as it were, but at the same time, I don’t think I’m done with the subject.
“I might find some way of coming into it from a different way. If you go back in time, you always have that wonderful opportunity for metaphor.
“You can find a story in the past and tell that, and it [will] actually be a story about the present, but in camouflage. And that, I think, might be a more elegant way forward.
“To move forward from where I left the show off at the moment feels too soon.”
Prince Harry snubbed Buckingham Palace stay on recent UK visit
Friday 16 August 2024 17:00
Emma Guinness
Prince Harry was reportedly offered the chance to stay in Buckingham Palace on his most recent trip to the UK.
An insider said this would have likely allowed him to see his father, King Charles, who he last saw in February following the announcement of his cancer diagnosis.
A source told The Times: “I don’t know what more the King could have done. He offered Harry to stay at Buckingham Palace but it seems even that wasn’t good enough.
“It was far from clear what the duke’s plans were. When it came to it there was no space in the King’s diary in between treatment and other scheduled events.”
“It makes Harry’s decision to stay in a hotel all the more strange when the Palace would naturally offer all the security you could wish for.”
Harry and Meghan to meet with Colombian Invictus team today
Friday 16 August 2024 15:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will meet with the Colombian Invictus team today.
This will undoubtedly be of huge personal significance for Harry, 39, as it is the only participating team from Latin America.
The sporting event, founded in 2014, celebrates the abilities of wounded, sick and injured service people.
