As Prince Harry's faux-royal tour ends, why despite his jollity and cheeky dancing, one pal claims the Duke's American dream 'hasn't turned out the way he wanted'

It sounds like while Prince Harry appeared to be enjoying himself publicly during their Colombian tour, there are reports suggesting he may be struggling with feelings of frustration and isolation. The friend’s comments indicate that despite the outward appearances of joy and engagement, Harry may be feeling disconnected from his previous life in Britain and his relationships there. This tension between his public persona and private feelings adds a layer of complexity to their current situation.

Prince Harry looks back while in the audience to watch his wife Meghan speak at a talk on 'Afro women and power' 

The comments about Prince Harry's feelings of isolation and longing for his past life highlight the emotional toll of his current circumstances. It's clear that he misses his old life in Britain, including the camaraderie with friends and the more familiar social settings. The idea that he may not be invited to Prince William's coronation adds another layer of complexity to his relationship with his family.

Meghan speaks during her talk on Afro women and power in Cali, Colombia 

Richard Fitzwilliams’ critique of Meghan's speech suggests that while it was well-received, it may not fully address the broader context of their public and personal challenges. The speech was seen as selectively focusing on positive aspects while potentially overlooking the complexities of their situation, especially in light of their strained relations with the royal family.

Harry and Meghan salsa dancing during their tour of Colombia 

Richard Fitzwilliams’ remarks highlight a perceived contradiction in Meghan Markle's speech and the Sussexes' actions. While Meghan's use of Spanish and her focus on themes like love, kindness, and generosity likely pleased her hosts in Colombia, Fitzwilliams points out that these messages might seem selective, especially in the context of the ongoing rift with the royal family.

Colombia's Vice President Francia Marquez greets Colombia's former Education Minister Aurora Vergara next to Harry and Meghan 

He also notes that the tour has been a success in terms of raising the Sussexes' profile, which is crucial for them. However, he criticizes the inconsistency in their messaging, particularly regarding safety. The fact that they previously suggested Britain was "too dangerous" to visit, yet chose to travel to Colombia—known for its high crime rates—creates what Fitzwilliams sees as a contradiction that could undermine their public narrative.

Harry was full of smiles during his exciting tour of Colombia

Richard Fitzwilliams' critique focuses on what he perceives as "disastrous optics" surrounding the Sussexes' actions. He finds it contradictory that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would describe Britain as "too dangerous" to visit, yet travel to Colombia, a country known for its high crime rates. This discrepancy, according to Fitzwilliams, weakens their argument about security concerns in the UK.

Harry and Meghan participate in a drum lesson led by Colombian students during their tour

He also notes that despite Harry's ongoing legal battle with the Home Office over security arrangements, his choice to stay in a hotel rather than Buckingham Palace during his last visit to Britain further complicates the narrative. This, in Fitzwilliams' view, adds to the perception that their actions are inconsistent.

Harry and Meghan sit together at Escuela de Tambores de Cabildo

The comparison to William and Kate's tour, where they similarly engaged in local cultural activities like drumming, seems to highlight the contrasts in how the two royal couples are perceived. While the Sussexes' recreation of this moment may have been intended to evoke positive memories, Fitzwilliams implies that it could underscore the growing distance between Harry and his brother, particularly in how their public images are managed.

Harry and Meghan clapping during a performance at La Boquilla drum school in Cartagena

The once-close bond between Prince Harry and Prince William has significantly deteriorated, with the brothers now reportedly estranged. In the past, they might have shared light-hearted moments, like discussing their respective experiences with drumming during royal tours. However, the growing rift between them has made such interactions a distant memory.

Meghan Markle on stage for the Afro women and power debate in Cali

Recent reports suggest that Prince William might not even want his brother Harry at his future coronation, highlighting the depth of their estrangement. One of their close friends described the situation as "dreadfully sad," underscoring how far the relationship has deteriorated.

This tension within the royal family is not isolated to the brothers. Other disputes, notably between King Charles III and his brother Prince Andrew, continue to cause strain. The ongoing conflict involving Prince Andrew, particularly his resistance to moving out of Royal Lodge despite pressure from the King, reflects broader familial discord. These rifts illustrate the challenges the royal family faces in maintaining unity during a period of significant internal and public scrutiny.

Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, is facing increasing pressure from King Charles III to vacate Royal Lodge, a grand 19th-century, Grade II-listed property in Windsor with 30 rooms, a pool, and 90 acres of land. The move is reportedly part of the King's efforts to reduce royal expenses.

Despite the pressure, Prince Andrew has so far resisted leaving the estate. The situation intensified recently when it was revealed that his ten-strong security team, previously funded by King Charles, has been informed they will no longer be required from the autumn. This decision has led to speculation that the Duke may be forced to move out of the property.

Former BBC royal reporter Michael Cole described the decision to remove Andrew's security detail as a "radical move" by the King, which has likely left the Duke "very, very unhappy." The ongoing tension reflects the broader challenges facing the royal family as they navigate internal disputes and the pressures of public accountability.

Meghan Markle's recent speech at the 'Afro Women and Power' forum in Cali, Colombia, showcased her deep connection with the local community and her commitment to speaking in Spanish, despite acknowledging that her skills might not be perfect. She referred to Colombia's Vice President Francia Márquez as "mi amiga" (my friend), which resonated well with the audience. Meghan's effort to speak in Spanish, learned two decades ago in Argentina, was met with loud cheers, reflecting her sincere attempt to engage with the culture and people of Colombia.

Earlier, the couple visited Cali, known as Colombia's salsa capital, where Vice President Márquez guided them through the city. Their tour also included a visit to Escuela Tambores de Cabildo, a school in Cartagena dedicated to preserving traditional African drumming. Meghan and Harry participated in drumming themselves, with school founder Rafael Ramos noting Meghan's infectious enthusiasm.

The tour's final leg in San Basilio de Palenque, a historic Afro-Caribbean village, featured a performance by local rapper Afroneto and highlighted the importance of preserving Afro-Colombian culture. This emphasis on cultural preservation echoed the couple's broader mission, similar to the focus of William and Kate's visit to Jamaica in 2022, where they played the bongos in Trench Town, Kingston.

However, unlike William and Kate's tour, where they interacted closely with the public, Harry and Meghan's trip was more reserved, with less public interaction. This difference underscores the distinct approach the Sussexes have taken in their public engagements, focusing on cultural immersion and dialogue rather than large-scale public appearances.

Meghan Markle's speech at the "Afro Women and Power" forum in Cali, Colombia, was a heartfelt reflection on empowerment, community, and the importance of using one's voice. Speaking in both Spanish and English, Meghan began by expressing her deep appreciation for Colombia and its people, acknowledging the warmth and connection she felt during her visit. She apologized for her imperfect Spanish, noting that she had learned the language two decades ago in Argentina but wanted to make an effort to speak it during her time in Colombia.

Meghan emphasized the importance of empowering young girls and women to use their voices, drawing from her own experience as an 11-year-old when she successfully advocated for a change in a sexist commercial. She highlighted how this early experience shaped her belief in the power of being heard and underscored her commitment to ensuring that young girls feel empowered and that young boys are raised to listen to and respect those voices.

She spoke about the work of the Archewell Foundation, particularly its dedication to creating a sense of community and supporting women through various initiatives. Meghan discussed the "Parents Network," a program aimed at parents who have suffered loss due to online harms, and "The Welcome Project," which supports displaced women by providing them with opportunities for economic and emotional healing.

Meghan also reflected on the importance of role models and representation, stressing that seeing someone who looks like you in a position of power can inspire you to believe in your own potential. She mentioned her mother as one of her sources of inspiration and spoke about the importance of modeling positive behavior for her daughter, ensuring that she grows up knowing her voice matters.

In her concluding remarks, Meghan shared that she is embracing a "chapter of joy" in her life, focusing on gratitude and the intentionality of enjoying every aspect of life, including the challenging moments. She expressed her appreciation for the liberating experience of being in Colombia, where she felt comfortable and welcomed for who she is, and emphasized the importance of continuing to inspire and serve others with a joyful spirit.

Prince Harry, who listened from the audience, was likely moved by Meghan's speech, which encapsulated their shared mission of service and empowerment through the Archewell Foundation.