Meghan and Harry’s security ring of steel protects Sussexes as couple continue Colombia tour with ‘bandit country’ visit

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been surrounded by a security ring of steel during a visit to Colombia’s “bandit country”.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were escorted to a school in the Santa Fe area of Bogota.

A tight security operation was in place, with at least 16 armoured police vehicles stationed outside La Giralda School.

Police officers, soldiers and private security were also stationed around the school’s perimeter to protect the couple.

Roads were blocked off as the couple’s convoy swept into the area.

A local taxi driver described the school as being in “bandit country” and warned journalists who were in the area covering the visit to “be careful”.

Concerns had already been raised as Colombia is classified as “Level 3” in the US State Department’s travel advisory list.

American visitors have been encouraged to “reconsider travel” amid fear of the risks related to crime, terrorism and kidnapping.

There is also concern about the Sussexes pushing security costs on Bogota, with the Colombian government expected to shoulder the responsibility of providing additional protection during high-profile events.

However, La Giralda School CEO Diana Basto said: “It was so special for us to have Harry and Meghan come and visit us and the staff and children were all very excited.

“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 there 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.

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“Then Harry had a go at the punching bag in the gym. They were super excited when they were given the presents because the children in the kindergarten are the same age as Archie.”

Concerns about the couple’s safety in Colombia also led body language expert Judi James to air her thoughts on Harry’s “tempered and complex” facial expressions.

James added that despite forming a “polite smile”, Harry’s eye expression “looks almost wary – which could be natural given that he is a royal without the kind of protocols and even safety nets the Firm will have when they are on proper royal tours.”

Meghan also opened up about the couple’s decision not to bring Archie and Lilibet to the South American country.

The Duchess of Sussex said: “We should model how we want our kids to be raised and for the world in which we raise them.”

She added: “It doesn’t matter where you live. It doesn’t matter who you are.

“Either you personally or someone you know is a victim to what’s happening online.

“And that’s something we can actively work on every day to remedy.”