Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s trip to Colombia reportedly cost 8,000 million pesos, around £1.5 million, which the couple is said to have paid out of their own pockets.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the South American country on a four-day trip that included stops in Bogotá, Cali and Cartagena, among others. The Colombian Ministry of Equality and Gender Equality, led by Vice President Francia Márquez, described the trip as a “success.”

The ministry also confirmed that Harry and Meghan had financed the visit, reports El Pais. A spokesperson said: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex financed their trip and that of their team from their own resources.”

However, events that Harry and Meghan attended during their stay in Colombia were said to have been “co-financed”. International agencies are said to have contributed to the costs.

The ministry said the visit gave the people of Colombia the opportunity to engage with the Archewell Foundation – the non-profit philanthropic organization founded by Harry and Meghan. It also hoped the visit would help demonstrate that Colombia can be a destination for both business and tourism.

The spokesperson added: “It was a very productive visit that allowed links to be established between the population and the Archewell Foundation – founded and led by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex – to promote programs aimed at women’s economic autonomy, the prevention of violence in digital environments for girls, boys and young people, and the support of leaders who build peace through arts and culture.”

According to El Pais, while most of the costs were not covered by the Colombian government, some parts of the visit were state-funded. Certain travel costs were covered by the government of Gustavo Petro, and meals were also included in the price.

According to El Pais, the Afro Women and Power Forum is also supported by funds from the national government.

Márquez added: “The whole world has its eyes on the diversity and cultural richness of Colombia. It has shown that we are not a country of violence. We are a country of hope, of brotherhood, of good hosts and a country of peace.”

Express.co.uk has contacted Harry and Meghan’s representatives for comment.