Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Touch Down in Colombia and Break Traditional Cheese Bread with Vice President

Mar. 15, 2025

Meghan Markle and Colombian Vice President.Photo:Eric Charbonneau for Archewell

Eric Charbonneau for Archewell

Meghan MarkleandPrince Harryare receiving a warm welcome to Colombia.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex kicked off their visit to the South American country on Aug. 15, starting their trip with an official greeting from Vice President Francia Márquez, whoannounced their visit earlier this month.

Márquez’s husband, Rafael Yerney Pinillo, was also on hand to meet the couple upon their arrival at around 9 a.m. local time. The two couples went to the vice president’s residence for coffee, tea and traditional pan de bono (Colombian cheese bread) before exchanging welcome gifts.

During the 30-minute visit, Márquez told the couple that she shared their same ideals and goals for championing a safer digital future and mental health landscape. The vice president also shared her admiration for Harry’s mother,Princess Diana,Harper’s Bazaarreported. At a press conference earlier in the day, the vice president was asked about Princess Diana planning a visit to Colombia shortly before she died in 1997. She said, “I think that Prince Harry being here today after that dream of his mum’s of visiting this country is an opportunity to show the best of our nation, to show who Colombians are. We are people who in the midst of adversities do everything possible to give the best of ourselves,” according toThe Mirror.

For the first stop on their Colombia tour, Meghan wore a navy Veronica Beard suit and black Manolo Blahnik heels. She accessorized with a white leather Loro Piana handbag and black Ray-Ban sunglasses. Prince Harry coordinated with his wife, wearing his own suit in dark blue paired with a bright blue Brioni dress shirt.

From left: Prince Harry, Meghan markle, Vice President Francia Marquez and Rafael Verney Pinillos in Colombia on Aug. 15, 2024.Sussex.com

Sussex.com

On Aug. 15, the couple will spend part of their first day in Colombia doing an Insight Session at a school. They’ll also participate in a summit gathering experts, activists and community members working to create more positive online environments.

From left: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Colombian Vice President Francia Marquez in Colombia on Aug. 15, 2024.Sussex.com

During their time in Colombia, Meghan and Harry will also visit Cartagena and Cali.

“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,” said Márquez, who is the first Black woman to hold the position of vice president, in her statement announcing their visit. “In addition to these meaningful interactions, the Duke and Duchess will experience the rich heritage of Colombia.”

“The conference will present a global framework for creating safer physical and virtual spaces, addressing issues such as cyberbullying, online exploitation, and the impact of these threats on mental health,” Márquez said. “It will offer practical solutions and commitments for countries around the world. During their visit, the Duke and Duchess, as well as The Archewell Foundation, will take part in a number of activities related to this important topic.”

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in Nigeria.Andrew Esiebo/Getty

Andrew Esiebo/Getty

A decade ago,King CharlesandQueen Camillaalso paid an official visit to Colombia(in 2014 when they were known as the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall). Their stop in the country was part of a larger tour of Latin America, and while in Colombia, they undertook engagements in both Bogotá and Cartagena.

Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

While in Nigeria earlier this year, Prince Harry hinted at more international trips to come for him and his wife,telling PEOPLE at the time“It is hugely important for us to meet directly with people, supporting our causes and listening, in order to bring about solutions, support, and positive change,” Harry said.

He added “There’s only so much one can do from home or over Zoom, so we look forward to traveling more because the work matters. Whether it’s the Archewell Foundation, Invictus or any of our other causes, there will always be reasons to meet the people at the heart of our work.”

Meghan and Harry’s visit to Colombia could prove a good chance for Meghan in particular to show off her Spanish-speaking skills. The Duchess of Sussex learned the language while interning in the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina after double majoring in theater and international relations at Northwestern University.

“We are confident that their visit will further illuminate Colombia’s role as a beacon of culture and innovation,” Márquez said.

source: people.com