What were Harry and Meghan Markle doing in Colombia?

When Harry (39 years old) and Meghan (43) When they announced their trip to Colombia, the public and the press joined in a gesture of disbelief. In what capacity did they have the right to appear in cities like Bogota and CaliIs it a vacation? A promotional project for your next business?

They come for the invitation of Vice President Francia Márquezthe first Afro-Colombian to have executive power in the Government. And curiously, it was not their time in the British Royal Family that earned them the invitation. The politician has admitted that He began to notice them after seeing the docuseries which was released on Netflix in December 2022.

Harry’s connection to Colombia

The connection between Harry and Colombia is not new, however: the country is the only Latin American country to take part in the Invictus Games, which the son of King Charles III has been organising for a decade for former military personnel wounded in combat.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez during the closing ceremony of the Petronio Álvarez Festival. | EFE

But the Sussex marriage no longer has functions in the British Royal Family, they do not even have a home to return to in the UK. So they haven’t been in Colombia like royalsnor with the characteristics, security or details of an official trip. And it must be remembered that the Latin American country is one of the most dangerous in the world and Harry has been very insistent on protecting Meghan Markle and her children. In fact, she always says that she does not travel to London with Archie and Lilibet because she feels unsafe in the British capital.

The project that has brought Harry and Meghan to Colombia

So this trip to Colombia is being especially questioned. But Harry and Meghan have been specifically invited to “open doors” on his first trip to Latin America. His intention was to “point out a problem that affects the entire community: harassment and discrimination online“, explained Francia Márquez to journalists present last Thursday.

“The Sussexes share the same ideals and goals, achieve a better, safer space, mentally and digitally for our children and the world,” added the vice president, who is also the minister for equality. They have demonstrated this intention with their project The Parent’s Network, one of their new professional focuses after having left their stage as producers in the background.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry react at the end of the ‘Responsible Digital Future’ forum at EAN University in Bogotá (Colombia). | EFE/Carlos Ortega

This is a community of parents who share an experience: their children were Victims of online harassment, depression, anxiety, eating disorders or sexual exploitation, among othersTheir aim is to stop blaming families for what their children have experienced and to demand that companies stop profiting from the insecurity of young people.

The “royal effect” in all its splendor

This is the third international trip that Meghan and Harry have organized this year, after visiting Canada and Nigeria. In this case, as if it were an official visit, They have spent four days in Bogotá, Cali and Cartagenain a complete tour that has received a lot of attention from the media.

Not just the British. Americans, French, Indians and Dutch, everyone seems to be fascinated by this familiar journey. As if all the drama of his last years had not happenedMeghan has worn a whole collection of luxury clothes: on the first day alone she wore three different outfits that cost more than 9,400 euros. Just in clothes, shoes and bags. In just 24 hours.

They have been seen calm, friendly, close. Partly because they felt comfortable, Meghan Markle speaks a little Spanishas has been demonstrated on more than one occasion in recent days.

The details they have offered about their new life

As he explained, twenty years ago he spent three months in Argentina and learned some of the language. Surprisingly, he still maintains a fairly high level, which allows him to communicate to a certain extent. And even, simultaneously translate to her husbandwho only knows basic greetings.

This ease would have been a strong point for Meghan Markle as a princess, as the Duchess of Sussex. Just as Kate’s love of sport has been fostered in the Royal Family, His sister-in-law’s talent for speaking languages ​​would have been a sure bet. Also their naturalness and American spontaneity, which has ended with the marriage showing their skills as salsa dancers.

They have also given some information about their children, children of whom almost nothing is known. Particularly about Lilibet, of whom there is only one photo. According to Meghan, the little girl He has “found his voice” at three years old and they are “very proud” from her. An expression that does not make clear whether the little girl has simply learned to speak or whether she is already beginning to show interest in some of the charitable issues to which her parents are dedicated.

All this despite the fact that some British media such as the Daily Mail They claim that Harry is not happy with his American life. But it is precisely against this medium and other British tabloids that The Prince has a personal crusade.