Prince Harry and Meghan Markle concluded their four-day visit to Colombia on Sunday, August 18, 2024, with a focus on empowering Afro-Colombian communities and addressing social issues. The royal couple, who stepped back as senior members of the British royal family in 2020, have been actively involved in various charitable causes through their Archewell Foundation.
The visit, which began on Thursday, August 15, was initiated at the invitation of Francia Márquez, Colombia's first Afro-Colombian vice president, who assumed office in 2022. The tour highlighted the couple's commitment to cultural and social causes, aligning with their foundation's objectives of promoting mental health, gender equality, and digital safety.
On the final day of their visit, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex participated in a forum titled "Afro Women and Power" in Cali, Colombia's third-largest city. The event showcased the vibrant Afro-Colombian culture, featuring traditional instruments such as drums, saxophones, and marimbas.
"I can feel this embrace from Colombia. It is incredible, thank you very much."
Meghan Markle's ability to address the audience in Spanish, a skill she acquired two decades ago, demonstrated her commitment to connecting with local communities.
The forum highlighted the challenges faced by Afro-Colombian women in politics and leadership roles. Ana Granja, a panelist, emphasized the complex struggle against racism and discrimination. Vice President Márquez called upon the royal couple to generate financial support and strengthen social programs for women affected by gender violence and youth initiatives.
Earlier in their visit, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle explored towns recognized for preserving their African heritage, including San Basilio de Palenque near Cartagena. This community, declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005, exemplifies Colombia's rich Afro-descendant culture, which is the second-largest in Latin America.
The royal couple's itinerary also included a digital security forum in Bogotá, Colombia's capital and largest city. There, they advocated for children's mental health and the prevention of cyberbullying, reflecting the Archewell Foundation's focus on digital safety.
Prince Harry, who served in the British Army for a decade, and Meghan Markle also met with military members and veterans affected by Colombia's long-standing internal conflicts. These conflicts, spanning over 50 years, have resulted in more than 260,000 deaths and millions of displaced individuals.
Throughout their visit, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex demonstrated their commitment to social causes, leveraging their global influence to support marginalized communities and promote positive change in Colombia.