Royal experts have discussed the “utterly bizarre” seating arrangements for Prince Harry during a lunch in Colombia alongside his wife Meghan Markle, and the vice president of Colombia.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle conducted a four-day visit to the country upon the invitation of vice president, Francia Márquez, during which the couple were invited to a private lunch.

In a video, which can be seen circulating social media platform X, Prince Harry is seen sitting at the end of a table, with notable distance between himself and his wife, with Meghan sitting closely beside the vice president.

Speaking on the podcast Palace Confidential, the Daily Mail’s Royal Editor, Rebecca English said: “It really resonated with me how much Harry’s life had changed. There was a lunch thrown in their honour, but it seemed to be in the Duchess of Sussex’s honour!”

She added: “Harry was seated across the table legs, not within touching distance of his wife, almost there as an afterthought.”

During the video, a man who is describing the wine and the food to be enjoyed is speaking in Spanish and directing the information mainly towards Meghan, with Harry sitting off to the side, alongside a translater.

Rebecca explains: “Everything was being addressed to Meghan, there was a chef addressing them, presenting her with a gift. Harry got so bored he started eating his pudding.”

Prince Harry can be seen in the video, tucking into his dessert while other members of the dinner are chatting.

On social media, observers are also discussing the seating arrangements. Iser @voiceofalbania writes: “It’s a complete separate table if you see it carefully. It should have been him next to the VP and her next to him. But it’s all about her!”

Another wrote: “As the ‘Proper’ Royal then Harry should have been in beside the VP and Meg cast out.”

User @jenzie17 added: “It’s like they’re having dinner in the break room and Harry got the last spot.”

In an earlier statement confirming the four-day visit, Marquez said she was “pleased” that Colombia were hosting Meghan and Harry for the excursion, which aimed to “illuminate Colombia’s role as a beacon of culture and innovation”.

It was the Sussexes’ first time in the South American country, where they participated in several events, as part of their working visit.

The vice president also expressed her admiration for the late Princess Diana and how the couple shared the same ideals, particularly on mental health.

The trip included visiting a local school, the Colegio Cultura Popular, where the royal duo joined a summit, in collaboration with their Archewell Foundation, about creating a healthier digital landscape.

The Sussexes took part in a summit on internet safety where experts, activists and community members came together for the Responsible Digital Future conference. Youth and social leaders also spoke on how they can all work together to improve cybersecurity.