Prince Harry pushed by William’s friend to apologise for cocaine use

As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle prepare for their upcoming visit to Colombia, a country ravaged by the drug trade, pressure is mounting on the Duke of Sussex to publicly apologize for his past cocaine use. A close friend of Prince William has reportedly called on Harry to acknowledge his involvement in drug use before embarking on this high-profile tour.

Colombia, long plagued by drug-related violence and crime, remains at the epicenter of the global war on drugs. The timing of Prince Harry’s visit, coming shortly after his public admission of drug use in his memoir “Spare,” has raised concerns that his past could overshadow the critical issues facing the country.

“Harry admitted to doing coke in his book (Spare),” the unnamed friend, identified as a close associate of the Prince of Wales, told 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,” the friend continued, emphasizing the significance of the Duke’s actions. As Harry and Meghan prepare for their visit, following a recent trip to Nigeria, this call for an apology has added a layer of controversy to the couple’s plans.

The friend further urged, “And he should stand up and apologise for his own participation in that disgusting trade. That would be a helpful intervention,” referencing Harry’s admission of using cocaine, marijuana, and psychedelic mushrooms, detailed in his 2023 autobiography.

In his memoir, Prince Harry openly discussed his past drug use, describing how he first tried cocaine during a hunting weekend and continued to use it as a coping mechanism for the trauma following his mother’s death. “Of course I had been taking cocaine at that time,” Harry confessed. He acknowledged that while drugs didn’t bring him happiness, they offered a temporary escape from his pain.

This admission has not only sparked a media frenzy but also led to legal scrutiny in the United States. The Heritage Foundation filed a lawsuit questioning whether Prince Harry disclosed his drug use on his U.S. visa application, potentially threatening his residency in the country.

Despite these controversies, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to focus on their humanitarian efforts in Colombia. The couple plans to participate in an event aimed at promoting online safety and combating violence against children, a cause they have championed globally. The Colombian government has praised their involvement, recognizing their commitment to addressing pressing social issues.

“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 earlier this month. In addition to these engagements, the Duke and Duchess will also experience the rich cultural heritage of Colombia during their visit.

The controversy surrounding Prince Harry’s past and the call for an apology underscores the complexities of their visit, as the Sussexes navigate the fine line between their past and their ongoing efforts to make a positive global impact.