The exact amount that Colombia spent to host Prince Harry and Meghan Markle last month has been revealed.
The Sussexes travelled to the South American country for a four-day tour, during which they visited a school, played volleyball, and raised awareness about online bullying and misinformation.
In total, Colombia spent the equivalent of £44,725.14.
This paid for the couple’s transport and security throughout their trip.
Colombian vice-president Francia Marquez, who set up the tour, released the spending figures at the request of Senator Maria Fernanda Cabal.
Ms Cabal has branded the trip “showmanship” and “wasteful spending.”
But Ms Marquez confirmed Harry and Meghan footed the bill for their own flights and accommodation.
The figures reveal that £7,500 was spent on security costs for their trip to San Basilio de Palenque, a former slave town.
Meanwhile, Colombia spent £4,500 for security in Cali, where Harry and Meghan watched live entertainment from a youth organisation.
Before Harry and Meghan’s trip, a Colombian lawyer said his country’s government was using the tour as a “distraction” from their failings.
They told the Mail on Sunday: “I’m sure Meghan and Harry mean well, but everyone here is talking about how obviously they are being manipulated.”
They added: “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.”
After the tour, right-wing councillor for the city of Cali Andres Escobar published a post criticising the Sussexes’ trip before later deleting it.
He said: “We continue with an ancient practice: handing over our resources in exchange for smoke and mirrors.
“Billions that could have been used to expand coverage of children’s soup kitchens, pay salaries for community mothers, seed capital for Afro communities or adapt sports venues that are practically in ruins.”
