Harry and Meghan: What did their Colombia trip aim to achieve?

Events involving members of the Royal Family don’t draw quite the same crowds in South America as they may in other parts of the world.

There were modest groups of people at some events who stopped to try to catch a glimpse of the couple.

One Venezuelan tourist in Bogotá, Jacqueline Romero, told me: “I saw them close; I thought my heart was going to come out. Since I was a child, my grandmother educated me about royalty. I never imagined I would find them visiting Bogotá like me.”

At another event at a percussion school on the beach, though, most of the people enjoying the sunshine seemed unfazed – despite the heavy armed military presence and gaggle of journalists.

That may be, in part, because much of this tour – including the events – were very private and controlled. These strict controls are often very typical of all royal tours too.

The couple and government only allowed their own videographers and photographers into most of the events which they say was to make sure events were represented “accurately”.

Footage was released daily, with no sound.

They took with them only one “pool” reporter from Harper’s Bazaar who released daily updates to the media about what they were doing, copying in their spokespeople and publicity team.

The BBC chose not to rely on this material alone, as we could not be present to verify what was said and described, but we were able to attend the summit and watch some events from the sidelines.

At their visit to a village with strong African connections, San Basilio de Palenque, a square was cordoned off where some stalls and a stage with music had been set up for them to visit. Some locals from their visit were allowed to come in, but many watched bemused from their houses nearby.

Prince Harry and Meghan have been explicit about their concerns about press intrusion on their lives, particularly from British tabloids.

They have received threats online and had many legal battles with newspapers about invasions of privacy.

But as a result, some royal watchers did raise questions like: why do such a high-profile visit which seems, in part, about publicity too for both the hosts and the guests?

For Prince Harry and Meghan, this was about promoting their campaigns to make the internet safer, and some of their initiatives like a new parent’s network to support parents of children who had suffered harm online.

It is also about maintaining their influence and visibility on the world stage, and showing they can still attract audiences with global leaders.