Meghan Markle and Prince Harry touched down in Colombia on August 15, marking the start of a significant four-day visit to the South American nation. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were warmly received by Colombia's Vice President, Francia Márquez, in what is shaping up to be a high-profile tour focused on mental health advocacy, digital safety, and cultural exchange.
Upon their arrival in Bogotá, the royal couple was greeted by Vice President Márquez and her husband, Rafael Yerney Pinillo. The meeting, held at the vice president's official residence, was an intimate affair, beginning with a traditional Colombian welcome of coffee, tea, and pan de bono, a local cheese bread. The couple and their hosts exchanged welcome gifts during the 30-minute visit, with Márquez expressing her admiration for the Sussexes' shared commitment to creating a safer digital future and addressing mental health challenges.
Márquez, Colombia's first Black vice president, highlighted the significance of the visit, noting her personal connection to the Sussexes' story, which she first encountered through the couple's Netflix series. "Meghan is a woman who deserves to come to the country and tell her story," Márquez said, revealing that she had extended the invitation to Meghan and Harry after being moved by their journey and values.
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex alongside her husband Prince Harry the Duke of Sussex and the VP of Colombia #HarryandMeghaninColombia pic.twitter.com/YdpPs7dFZe — bīīً☆ (@lsmdolls) August 15, 2024
The visit is not just a ceremonial one but includes a packed schedule of events across multiple cities, aiming to foster dialogue on key issues such as online safety and mental well-being. On their first day, Meghan and Harry participated in an Insight Session at a local school, engaging with students on the importance of emotional well-being in education. The couple is also set to attend a summit bringing together experts, activists, and community members focused on creating positive online environments.
Meghan, known for her impeccable fashion sense, started the tour in a navy Veronica Beard suit paired with black Manolo Blahnik heels. Harry complemented her look with a dark blue suit and a bright blue Brioni dress shirt, underscoring the couple's coordinated approach to their public appearances.
The Sussexes' tour of Colombia will also take them to Cartagena and Cali, where they will engage with local leaders, youth, and women who represent the aspirations and voices of Colombians committed to progress. Márquez emphasized the cultural and historical significance of these visits, stating, "In these vibrant locations, they will have the exceptional opportunity to engage with leaders, youth, and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians committed to progress."
The visit comes at a pivotal moment for Colombia, which is preparing to host the first World Ministerial Conference on the Elimination of Violence Against Children in November. The Archewell Foundation, established by Meghan and Harry, has been a vocal advocate for safer digital environments, making the conference and their visit particularly timely. "The conference will present a global framework for creating safer physical and virtual spaces," Márquez noted, "addressing issues such as cyberbullying, online exploitation, and the impact of these threats on mental health."
This visit marks Meghan and Harry's first trip to Colombia and follows their visit to Nigeria in May, which was their first international trip since relocating to the United States in 2020. In Nigeria, the couple focused on mental health advocacy and promoting Prince Harry's Invictus Games. Colombia became the first South American country to participate in the Invictus Games, a point of pride that will be highlighted during the Sussexes' time in Bogotá.
As their tour progresses, the Duke and Duchess are expected to deepen their engagement with the local culture and issues. Meghan's fluency in Spanish, acquired during her internship at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, will likely be an asset as the couple navigates their visit. "We are confident that their visit will further illuminate Colombia's role as a beacon of culture and innovation," Márquez said, expressing hope that the Sussexes' presence would enhance global awareness of Colombia's efforts in these critical areas.
