The Duke and Duchess of Sussex decided to step out on an international tour, despite challenges coming their way, claims a royal expert.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have just undertaken a four day tour in Colombia. (Image: Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle decided to step out on a “high-risk” international tour, despite any challenges coming their way at this “pivotal time” claims a royal expert.

Royal expert, Emily Andrews, pointed out that the four-day tour to Colombia did not have the protection or diplomatic expertise of the Foreign Office, and the couple also lost out on the guidance of their chief of staff, Josh Kettler, who stepped down just three months into his role.

Andrews claimed there was one main reason for the Montecito-based couple to conduct a tour at this time: “Perhaps, then, these tours offer Harry and Meghan another initiative to highlight: themselves.”

She added: “With Harry celebrating his 40th birthday next month and ongoing courtroom battles in the UK, it does feel like a pivotal time for the Sussexes in their attempts to ‘look forwards’.”

The visit to Colombia comes at a time when Harry and Meghan have a series of projects to promote including Meghan’s lifestyle brand – American Riviera Orchard. The couple also have their two individual Netflix series launching shortly – Meghan’s show which will “celebrate the joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship”, and Harry’s which aims to explore the world of professional polo.

According to the royal expert, Meghan’s show was supposed to air in spring but was postponed until autumn, and now has reportedly been “put back until next year”.