Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have arrived in Colombia, receiving a warm welcome on Thursday, August 15. During their visit, they met with Vice President Francia Marquez and her husband, Rafael Yerney Pinillo.
This trip includes various engagements with local organizations, youth groups, and participation in summits to address mental health and digital safety.Their visit precedes the World Ministerial Conference on the Elimination of Violence Against Children in November.
Meeting with Colombia’s Vice President
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex began their visit by meeting Vice President Francia Marquez at around 9 am local time. Marquez, the first black woman to hold the VP position in Colombia, had previously announced their plans to visit on August 1.
Following the formalities, they shared a 30-minute tea and coffee session with the vice president and her husband, enjoying traditional Colombian cheese bread (pan de bono) while exchanging gifts. During this meeting, Marquez expressed her admiration for Princess Diana. Discussions also focused on shared ideals about a digital future and mental health.
Prince Harry and Meghan’s engagements in Colombia
After this cordial beginning, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle engaged in several activities throughout their visit. On August 15, they were expected to connect their work with the Archewell Foundation to various local organizations and youth groups.
They also attended an Insight Session at a local school to underscore the significance of digital safety and mental health.
Participation in a summit on digital safety
Following the school event, they participated in a summit gathering alongside experts, activists, and community members. This summit aims to promote more positive online landscapes and is in line with the goals of the Archewell Foundation.
Continued engagements in emotional well-being
On Friday, August 16, the couple will continue their commitments in the Colombian capital. They will join students to address emotional well-being in education, a critical issue now more than ever.
Their schedule includes a luncheon hosted by Vice President Marquez, where they will sit with the Invictus Games competitors from Colombia.
Colombia was the first South American country to join the Invictus Games, a sporting event launched by Prince Harry in 2014 for wounded, injured, and sick service veterans.
Visits to Cartagena and Cali
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s trip to Colombia will also see them visit the cities of Cartagena and Cali. These visits are part of their broader mission to align with the upcoming World Ministerial Conference on the Elimination of Violence Against Children, scheduled for November.
Focus on global framework for safety
Vice President Marquez previously mentioned the importance of this global conference, aimed at creating safe physical and virtual spaces.
She stated, “This conference will present a global framework for creating safe physical and virtual spaces, addressing issues such as cyberbullying, online exploitation and the impact of these threats on mental health.”
Second international trip since 2020
This visit to Colombia is their second official international trip since relocating to California, USA, in 2020 after stepping down from their roles as working members of the royal family. It follows their recent trip to Nigeria in May and coincides with the departure of their chief of staff, Josh Kettler, who left after three months in the role.
Departure of chief of staff
The New York Post reported that Kettler was hired “on a trial basis” and that “his departure from the Sussex payroll was mutual, with both sides agreeing it wasn’t the right fit.”
Global advocacy on mental health and safety
As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex engage in their various commitments during this visit, their presence underscores the global importance of their advocacy for mental health, digital safety, and well-being in education.
This trip includes various engagements with local organizations, youth groups, and participation in summits to address mental health and digital safety.Their visit precedes the World Ministerial Conference on the Elimination of Violence Against Children in November.
Meeting with Colombia’s Vice President
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex began their visit by meeting Vice President Francia Marquez at around 9 am local time. Marquez, the first black woman to hold the VP position in Colombia, had previously announced their plans to visit on August 1.
Following the formalities, they shared a 30-minute tea and coffee session with the vice president and her husband, enjoying traditional Colombian cheese bread (pan de bono) while exchanging gifts. During this meeting, Marquez expressed her admiration for Princess Diana. Discussions also focused on shared ideals about a digital future and mental health.
Prince Harry and Meghan’s engagements in Colombia
After this cordial beginning, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle engaged in several activities throughout their visit. On August 15, they were expected to connect their work with the Archewell Foundation to various local organizations and youth groups.
They also attended an Insight Session at a local school to underscore the significance of digital safety and mental health.
Participation in a summit on digital safety
Following the school event, they participated in a summit gathering alongside experts, activists, and community members. This summit aims to promote more positive online landscapes and is in line with the goals of the Archewell Foundation.
Continued engagements in emotional well-being
On Friday, August 16, the couple will continue their commitments in the Colombian capital. They will join students to address emotional well-being in education, a critical issue now more than ever.
Their schedule includes a luncheon hosted by Vice President Marquez, where they will sit with the Invictus Games competitors from Colombia.
Colombia was the first South American country to join the Invictus Games, a sporting event launched by Prince Harry in 2014 for wounded, injured, and sick service veterans.
Visits to Cartagena and Cali
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s trip to Colombia will also see them visit the cities of Cartagena and Cali. These visits are part of their broader mission to align with the upcoming World Ministerial Conference on the Elimination of Violence Against Children, scheduled for November.
Focus on global framework for safety
Vice President Marquez previously mentioned the importance of this global conference, aimed at creating safe physical and virtual spaces.
She stated, “This conference will present a global framework for creating safe physical and virtual spaces, addressing issues such as cyberbullying, online exploitation and the impact of these threats on mental health.”
Second international trip since 2020
This visit to Colombia is their second official international trip since relocating to California, USA, in 2020 after stepping down from their roles as working members of the royal family. It follows their recent trip to Nigeria in May and coincides with the departure of their chief of staff, Josh Kettler, who left after three months in the role.
Departure of chief of staff
The New York Post reported that Kettler was hired “on a trial basis” and that “his departure from the Sussex payroll was mutual, with both sides agreeing it wasn’t the right fit.”
Global advocacy on mental health and safety
As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex engage in their various commitments during this visit, their presence underscores the global importance of their advocacy for mental health, digital safety, and well-being in education.
