Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently visited Colombia for what was essentially a royal tour minus the royal titles. But some think the Duke and Duchess of Sus𝓈ℯ𝓍 are in it for something beyond philanthropy.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been living a completely different life since stepping down from their roles a senior royals. The Sus𝓈ℯ𝓍es are raising two children in Montecito, California, and they have taken on their own business ventures separate from anything having to do with the royal family.

But this year, Harry and Meghan have gone on tours of two countries, Nigeria and Colombia, and both trips bore a striking resemblance to royal tours. Some experts say the couple is doing it for a reason that extends beyond their philanthropic work.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation/Getty ImagesPrince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal tours could be for reputation purposes

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal tours could be for reputation purposes

Harry and Meghan wanted a more private life when they removed themselves from their working royal roles four years ago. The idea was that the two were constantly in the media and that tabloids were doing their best to dig up dirt about Meghan, especially. But when they stepped down, the two made money from telling their story, which resulted in bashing the royal family. Now, one expert thinks the tours give Harry and Meghan a chance to do more than just bring awareness to issues that are important to them. Rather, they can show a new side of themselves. The couple recently returned from a tour of Colombia.

“Perhaps, then, these tours offer Harry and Meghan another initiative to highlight: themselves,” royal expert Emily Andrews said, according to Express. “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 forward.’”

Harry and Meghan’s royal tour showed more candid behaviors that aren’t captured when they’re at home in Montecito. For example, video surfaced of the two salsa dancing, which gave off a lighthearted vibe that the public doesn’t often see.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | Diego Cuevas/Getty ImagesRelated

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s reputations are crucial to their future work

Harry and Meghan need the public on their side because so much of what they do falls into that territory. Meghan is in the midst of launching a lifestyle brand called American Riviera Orchard. She also has a deal with Netflix to produce her own cooking show. Both of these areas require strong popularity among the public in order to succeed. If nobody buys her products or watches her show because they aren’t fans, then the business ventures won’t do well.

Harry and Meghan have not reconciled with the royal family. Although Harry does speak to his father, King Charles, the two don’t seem to have a super strong relationship. Plus, Harry and Meghan don’t even speak to Prince William and Kate Middleton, which won’t bode well for them in the long run, given that the Prince and Princess of Wales are extremely popular around the world.