Prince Harry and Meghan Markle departed Colombia on Sunday after a successful visit that sparked excitement and curiosity, leaving many wondering if the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have earned the title of "honorary Latinos." The couple, invited by Colombia's Vice President Francia Márquez, captivated locals as they engaged deeply with the culture, most notably during a vibrant salsa session in Cali, a city known as the world capital of salsa.
The couple didn't just observe the famous salsa rhythms—they fully participated. Harry and Meghan danced alongside locals, blending into the crowd in a surprisingly effortless manner. Their moves were so classic salsa that it left many wondering if the couple had secretly taken lessons.
Meghan Markle's impressive Spanish was also an admired gesture. The Duchess of Sussex, who interned at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, delighted onlookers by speaking Spanish with a noticeable Argentine accent. While she apologized for not having "perfect Spanish," explaining that she learned it 20 years ago, she was proficient, and her effort added an unexpected layer of authenticity to her engagement with the local community.
¡Los duques de Sussex, Harry y Meghan, bailando salsa en Cali! pic.twitter.com/SH5P3s1NC4
— Juana Peña (@Chris_Montz) August 18, 2024
Harry and Meghan in Colombia
The Sussexes' visit to Colombia was part of a broader initiative by their Archewell Foundation, which focuses on creating safer digital spaces and promoting mental health, particularly for children. In Bogotá, the first stop during the four-day visit, they participated in a forum on digital security, where they advocated for mental health and the fight against cyberbullying by children and teens. They also visited a school and met with military members and veterans affected by decades of internal conflicts in Colombia.
During their tour, they also visited the Petronio Álvarez Pacific Music Festival, an event celebrating Afro-Colombian culture, where they connected with local leaders and artists. In Bogotá, the first stop during the four-day visit, they participated in a forum on digital security, where they advocated for mental health and the fight against cyberbullying by children and teens. They also visited a school and met with military members and veterans affected by decades of internal conflicts in Colombia.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wrapped up their visit to Colombia on Sunday by participating in a forum on the challenges facing women of African descent as they participate in politics. On Saturday, they visited areas of the country recognized for preserving their African roots. They met with communities and their leaders in towns like San Basilio de Palanque in Cartagena, on Colombia's Caribbean coast.
"I can feel this embrace from Colombia. It is incredible, thank you very much," the Duchess of Sussex said in Spanish to the Afro-Colombian women and leaders forum.
👑🇬🇧 | Meghan Markle interviene en español durante su visita a Colombia.
— Jose Moreno (@Josemn1_) August 18, 2024
«Perdonad si mi español no es perfecto, aprendí hace 20 años en Argentina» pic.twitter.com/AFYfCqhiSF
A Lasting Impact
While the visit has been met with mixed reactions—some locals feeling that the royal tour was more of a PR exercise—there's no denying Harry and Meghan's positive influence during their stay. Their genuine interest in Colombian culture, particularly in cities like Cali, where they danced and conversed freely with residents, has left a memorable mark.
© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
