Prince Harry & Meghan's Extreme Security In Colombia Included 3,000 Police And 'Ballistic Briefcases'

Amid their four-day visit to Colombia, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were intensely guarded by very tight security details.

According to a report, the royal couple was heavily protected as they moved from the country's capital, Bogota, to the town of Cartagena, where over 3,000 police were said to be on duty in anticipation of their arrival.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had earlier visited Bogotá's Santa Fe district, a high-risk area, where a security personnel was seen guarding the couple from potential shooters with a "ballistic briefcase."

The U.S.-based royals have had no need to fear for their safety while in Colombia due to the extreme measures taken by the government to ensure their protection.

According to the Daily Mail, Harry and Meghan were guarded by heavy security as they made their way to the town of Cartagena to visit a Caribbean drumming school.

Nearby roads were closed off while a police Black Hawk helicopter and a drone buzzed the sky above the venue. An ambulance and a black police anti-terror, nuclear, and bioterrorism vehicle were also stationed outside as part of the couple's security measures.

Harry and Meghan reportedly arrived at the location an hour late, with several security escorts holding "ballistic briefcases," which are basically Kevlar bulletproof shields.

Local reports revealed that 3,000 police officers were on duty during the Sussexes' visit to the city and subsequent trip to the town of San Basilio de Palenque.

Harry and Meghan's security team's use of bulletproof briefcases to shield the couple has been a notable aspect of their trip, especially in photos.

At every event, a member of the local security detail was spotted exiting a vehicle ahead of the couple, carrying the collapsible shield.

The heightened security surrounding Harry and Meghan's visit to Colombia has drawn attention, especially given the country's travel advisories issued by the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office.

The couple visited a school in the Santa Fe district of Bogota, known for being one of the city's most dangerous and violent areas. It was even featured in the Apple TV series "No Go Zones—The World's Toughest Place."

The same ballistic shield was also used to safeguard Colombia's vice president, Francia Marquez, who has been hosting the couple.

During their visit to La Giralda school in the Santa Fe district, Harry and Meghan were escorted with extensive security, including a convoy of 16 armored police vehicles and armed officers and soldiers patrolling the area before their arrival. Roads were shut down as their motorcade moved through this no-go zone in the Colombian capital.

After being welcomed by the school's headmaster, Serafin Ordoñez, the Duke and Duchess, accompanied by Marquez, embarked on a brief tour. During the visit, the couple observed an art class and visited a kindergarten.

The ballistic briefcase was also notably visible behind Harry as he helped the young students plant trees in the school's garden.

However, despite the presence of security measures, the Duke of Sussex appeared calm and even enjoyed the traditional Colombian music performances that the children had prepared for his arrival.

Later in the day, they had a private lunch with Marquez before meeting with members of Colombia's Invictus Games squad, who are preparing for the 2025 games in Whistler, Canada.

The couple visited the Centro de Rehabilitacion Inclusive, where the athletes train, and Meghan swapped her earlier outfit of a blazer, trousers, and white shirt for a crisp white button-down and long skirt.

She also traded her pumps for strappy sandals. Meanwhile, Harry, eager to join a sitting volleyball match, switched his blue shirt for a dark polo.

According to the Daily Mail, the couple was greeted by military officials before beginning their tour of the center's swimming pool, rock climbing wall, gym, and rehabilitation facilities, where they engaged in conversations with the athletes about their workout routines.

"It's amazing to see how many people can come together to form one team," Harry remarked to an Invictus team member while touring the center's cardiovascular room, with Meghan adding that the athletes were "all so incredible to watch."

They were joined by Marquez and her partner Rafael Yerney Pinillo, who participated in the volleyball match alongside Harry.

After the game, Harry spoke with a group of Korean War veterans, and the couple explored the center's art hall, showcasing artwork created by Invictus athletes.

Meghan received gifts from some of the artists, including a painting, hand-knitted animals, and a beaded necklace with matching earrings, while Harry was presented with a commemorative plaque from the Ministry of National Defence Veterans.

The Sussexes also attended a summit on digital responsibility, where Harry seemed to criticize Elon Musk. Speaking in Bogotá on Thursday, Harry remarked, "What happens online within minutes transfers to the streets. People are acting on information that isn't true."

He noted that many people are "scared and uncertain" about AI's potential impact and emphasized that "education and awareness" are crucial to combating misinformation.

Harry stressed, "It comes down to all of us to be able to spot the true from the fake. In an ideal world, those with influence would take more responsibility. We are no longer debating facts. As long as people can spread lies, abuse, and harass, social cohesion as we know it has completely broken down."