Meghan and Harry 'enlarging profile' on 'faux royal' trip ahead of rumoured political move

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are trying to "enlarging their profile" with their latest overseas trip as the Duchess eyes more lofty goals in politics, a royal expert has claimed.

The couple have confirmed a trip to Colombia at the invitation of the country's Vice President Francia Márquez after visiting Nigeria in May, in what critics dubbed a "faux royal tour".

Their Colombia visit is understood to be set for November, and is expected to include trips to the capital Bogotá, Cartagena and Cali.

Speaking to The Sun, Royal watcher Richard Fitzwilliams said: "The facts are that Harry and Meghan must have future ambitions that we don't know about - or at least I strongly suspect that they do," he told the outlet.

"It won't just be programmes and lifestyle brands. There will be something more. They turned down the opportunity of being senior working royals and there they could have done a very great deal of good for those who are less fortunate."

Fitzwilliams says it's conceivable that Meghan has ambitions to make a bombshell entrance into politics, as has been suggested by royal experts, and may even have her say on the current US election race.

"It won't be long before [Meghan] endorses [Vice President and Democratic candidate] Kamala Harris, and hopes, possibly, conceivably that might lead to - this has been talked about for years - some form of political career for her possibly in future years," he said.

Fitzwilliams also claimed it appeared "hypocritical" that the pair were happy to tour Colombia despite various warnings Foreign Office issued to travellers about visiting the South American country after the Prince voiced concerns about his family's safety in Britain.

According to the FCDO website, terrorists are "very likely" to attempt attacks and many "armed groups remain active throughout" Colombia.

Meanwhile kidnapping rates "remain high", with armed groups taking hostages for ransom money and political goals, according to the Foreign Office, which advises against all but essential travel to parts of the country.

The Prince previously said he wouldn't be able to return to Britain with Meghan, and their two children Archie and Lilibet "because it is too dangerous" after his security was downgraded following their departure from frontline royal duties.

"If Harry hadn't made the comments about Britain being dangerous or words to that effect, since he has, the optics are very weird," Fitzwilliams told The Sun.

A representative for the Sussexes has been approached for comment.

However, given the official invitation the couple have received, they will likely have a full security detail during their stay in Colombia.

Harry's bid to challenge the Home Office's decision to downgrade his security in the UK was rejected by the High Court in February, but the Court of Appeal said in June it would hear his challenge after an application from the Duke's lawyers.

The decision over his security was taken by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec), which is responsible for the provision of Royal Family members' security arrangements.