Prince Harry is facing growing scrutiny ahead of his planned visit to Colombia, a nation heavily affected by the drug trade. A close associate of Prince William has allegedly encouraged the Duke of Sussex to issue a public apology for his past cocaine use before embarking on the prominent tour with his wife, Meghan Markle. With Colombia grappling with a serious drug crisis, there are fears that Harry’s drug use admission could overshadow the country’s pressing issues.
Must Read: Bangladesh: Interim Leader Muhammad Yunus Acquitted In A Bribery Case
Prince William’s friend asks Harry to apologise for drug use
“Harry admitted to using cocaine in his book (Spare),” said an unnamed friend of the Prince of Wales to the Daily Beast. “His trip to Colombia should include an admission that the country has been destroyed by narco-terrorists servicing wealthy drug users in the west,” he added, as the Sussexes prepare for another Royal-style tour on Thursday following their visit to Nigeria.
“And he should stand up and apologise for his own participation in that disgusting trade. That would be a helpful intervention,” the individual said, referring to the Duke’s admission of using cocaine, marijuana, and psychedelic mushrooms in his 2023 best-selling book.
Harry acknowledged using drugs
“Of course I had been taking cocaine at that time,” the youngest son of King Charles admitted in his explosive autobiography. “At someone’s house, during a hunting weekend, I was offered a line, and since then I had consumed some more,” he wrote. The estranged royals mentioned how these substances served as a coping mechanism for the trauma of his mother’s death. He confessed that while drugs didn’t bring him happiness, they helped him feel different, which was his goal at the time.
This recent admission also led to a legal challenge regarding his US visa. The Heritage Foundation filed a lawsuit to investigate whether Prince Harry accurately disclosed his past drug use on his application. This could affect his ability to stay in the United States.
Columbia tour
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are scheduled to visit Colombia, a country infamous for its high murder rate driven by drug-related crime. Since the 1960s, Colombia has been a key battleground in the global war on drugs, known for producing cocaine that criminal networks distribute throughout the region.
Despite the country’s dangerous reputation, the Sussexes are traveling there to emphasize their dedication to online safety. They are set to participate in a November event aimed at combating violence against children. The Colombian government has expressed strong support for their global leadership on this issue.
“In these vibrant locations, they will have the exceptional opportunity to engage with leaders, youth, and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians committed to progress,” Vice President of Colombia Francia Márquez announced in a statement earlier this month. “In addition to these meaningful interactions, the Duke and Duchess will experience the rich heritage of Colombia,” they added.
Also Read: Rwanda: Kagame Sworn In For Fourth Presidential Term After Landslide Victory
