Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made a charming debut on their whirlwind tour of Colombia this morning, captivating locals with their warmth and engagement. The couple, who stepped back from their royal duties in 2020, arrived in Bogotá to a warm reception and immediately dived into their busy schedule.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex kicked off their visit with a breakfast meeting alongside Vice President Francia Márquez and her husband, Rafael Yerney Pinillo. Meghan dazzled in a £598 Orlinda vest by Colombian designer Veronica Beard, while Harry opted for a classic tailored navy suit. As they greeted well-wishers, Harry was seen protectingively wrapping his arm around Meghan.
A fascinating moment captured by a professional lip reader, Nicola Hickling, revealed a tender and personal exchange between the couple. Meghan was observed instructing Harry with a simple “hand,” to which he promptly responded with “Here you go.” This brief, yet intimate interaction highlighted the couple’s supportive dynamic.
Following their morning meeting, the Sussexes visited the Colegio Cultura Popular in Bogotá. During their tour, Harry delighted the crowd by attempting to count in Spanish and shared heartwarming details about their children, Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3. “I have young children and they’re not on social media,” Harry told the audience, showcasing his commitment to protecting their privacy.
Busy Itinerary and Upcoming Events
The visit, which marks their first joint trip to Colombia, is packed with activities aimed at addressing significant social issues. Harry and Meghan will spend Friday engaging with students on emotional well-being in education, attending a luncheon hosted by Vice President Márquez, and meeting Colombia’s Invictus Games competitors. The latter is especially meaningful as Colombia became the first South American nation to participate in the Invictus Games, held in Düsseldorf in September 2023.
The couple’s trip precedes the World Ministerial Conference on the Elimination of Violence Against Children, scheduled to take place in Colombia in November. Their Archewell Foundation, which focuses on promoting safer digital environments, will play a significant role in this event. VP Márquez emphasized the conference’s goal to create safer physical and virtual spaces and address critical issues such as cyberbullying and online exploitation.
Looking Ahead
During their Colombian tour, Harry and Meghan will also visit the cities of Cartagena and Cali. The trip reflects their ongoing commitment to fostering positive change and supporting vulnerable communities worldwide.
