Prince Harry and Meghan's Colombian Tour Focuses on Mental Health and Culture
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex embark on their first Colombian visit, promoting mental health awareness and exploring cultural heritage. Their itinerary includes meetings with officials and visits to historic sites.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have initiated their inaugural visit to Colombia, a nation renowned for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. The royal couple's tour, which commenced on August 8, 2024, aims to spotlight mental health issues and combat cyberbullying, particularly among youth.
Upon their arrival in Bogotá, the capital of the world's second most biodiverse country, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were welcomed by Vice President Francia Márquez at her official residence. The meeting included a tasting of Colombia's famous mild coffee, for which the country is the world's leading producer, along with local delicacies.
Márquez, Colombia's first Black vice president and a human rights advocate, emphasized the visit's significance in addressing cyberbullying, a global concern affecting children worldwide. She shared her personal experience of facing numerous racist attacks online, underscoring the urgency of the issue.
The royal couple's itinerary reflects a deep engagement with Colombia's cultural tapestry. On August 10, they are scheduled to visit San Basilio de Palenque, a historic town of 3,500 residents located near Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage site. San Basilio de Palenque, founded by escaped slaves in the 17th century, was recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2005, highlighting its importance in Afro-Colombian history.
The tour will conclude in Cali on August 11, often referred to as the "Salsa Capital of the World." Here, the couple will participate in a forum focused on Afro-Colombian women and empowerment. This event aligns with Meghan's personal journey of cultural discovery, as she previously revealed her Nigerian heritage through DNA testing.
Throughout their visit, Harry and Meghan aim to shed light on Colombia's efforts to address inequality in a country where a significant portion of the population faces economic challenges. Their tour not only promotes mental health awareness but also showcases Colombia's diverse landscapes, from its 1,600-kilometer Caribbean coastline to its 60 national parks covering over 14 million hectares.
As the only South American country with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Colombia offers a unique backdrop for the royal couple's mission. Their visit bridges cultural exchange and social advocacy, potentially opening new avenues for international cooperation in addressing global issues such as cyberbullying and mental health.
"This visit seeks to build bridges and open doors, and to raise awareness and address a problem that concerns all of humanity today: cyberbullying."
The Duke and Duchess's Colombian tour underscores the universal nature of mental health challenges and the importance of cross-cultural dialogue in finding solutions. As they explore the country's rich heritage, from its indigenous Tejo game to its Spanish colonial history, Harry and Meghan continue to use their platform to advocate for positive change on a global scale.
