The Duke and Duchess of Sussex began their official visit to Colombia on August 15, 2024, for which they were invited by Vice President Francia Marquez. She is the first black woman to hold this position in the country. She gave Prince Harry and Meghan Markle a warm welcome from her people. During the press conference, Francia explained how she came to know about the couple’s life and also explained the reason behind their visit to Colombia.
It seems that Marquez has become quite a fan of Harry and Meghan after watching their docuseries on Netflix that released in 2022. The six-part series showcased their childhood, their love life, their marriage, stepping down from royal duties, and more. In the history of streaming services, it became the biggest documentary debut week. Although it created a lot of controversies, it also received a lot of appreciation from the audience. The couple signed a multiyear deal in 2020.
Francia Marquez’s opinion about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex
Talking about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Francia Marquez explained during the press conference, “How do I know Meghan and Harry? I first met them through the media, and I especially watched the Netflix series about their life and their story, which impressed me a lot.”
The vice president added, “This led me to say, ‘This is a woman who deserves to visit our country and share her story,’ and undoubtedly, her visit will strengthen a lot of women around the world.” The vice president, who also serves as Colombia’s minister of equality and justice, previously invited Meghan to attend the Afro-descendant women’s day on July 25, but at the time she was unable to come. “At the time, we sent her an invitation letter, and she responded saying she couldn’t come, but was very excited to visit our country and get to know it,” Francia added.
Meghan Markle’s Nigerian connection
Previously, Meghan Markle told People that she found out through genealogy testing that she is 43% Nigerian, giving her trip to Nigeria personal meaning. She explained how it inspired her to dig deeper into her roots to learn more about her Nigerian heritage so she could tell more to her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
During her trip to Nigeria with Prince Harry in May, the Duchess of Sussex revealed there was a personal aspect to the whole trip. On the last day of her stay, Mother’s Day, Meghan said that “learning about my heritage that I can share with my children” is something that is very special as a mother.
Details of the trip of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Now in Colombia, after receiving a warm welcome from Francia, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spent their first day attending an insight session at a school in Bogota followed by a summit of experts, activists and others focused on creating and promoting a positive environment.
On August 16, the couple is going to visit Bogota to meet with students to talk about emotional well-being, then they will attend a luncheon prepared by the vice president, followed by meeting Colombia’s Invictus Games competitors. According to reports, Colombia became the first South American country to have the opportunity to participate in Prince Harry’s international adaptive sports tournament for wounded, injured and ill service personnel and veterans in Germany last year.
The couple’s next trip is to Cartagena and Cali. Let us know what you think about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s trip to Colombia and Francia Marquez’s love for them.
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