The Duke and Duchess of Sussex recently concluded a remarkable four-day tour in Colombia, marked by deep cultural engagement and community outreach. Over the course of their visit, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle immersed themselves in the vibrant Afro-Colombian heritage, highlighting the power of education, leadership, and the arts.
From connecting with local youth in Cali to celebrating Afro-Colombian traditions in Cartagena, their tour was a testament to their commitment to global cultural exchange and social impact. This recap captures the most significant moments from their final days in Colombia, where the couple left a lasting impression on the communities they touched.
The Impact of Harry and Meghan: A Cultural Exploration Across Colombia
DAY 2 – Bogotá
On their second day in Colombia, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, accompanied by Vice President Francia Márquez, visited Colegio La Giralda, a public school in the Las Cruces neighbourhood of Santa Fe, to celebrate education, emotional well-being, and community spirit. The Head of School welcomed the couple, Serafin Ordoñez, who led them on a campus tour. The school prepared a vibrant reception, with students performing in traditional Colombian dress, cumbia songs, and live percussion. During their visit, Prince Harry and Meghan observed the school’s historical memory museum, where students showcased art honouring Colombian history and resilience. They also engaged with kindergarten students, working on puzzles and conversing in Spanish.
The Duke and Duchess were then introduced to La Giralda’s urban garden, which promotes sustainability, cooperative work, and environmental respect. They planted a walnut tree alongside the Vice President to commemorate their visit. The tour concluded at the school’s socio-emotional gym, a student-run program that provides a space for emotional well-being, conflict resolution, and mental health support.
Later in the day, the couple, joined by Vice President Márquez and her partner Rafael Yerney Pinillo, visited the Center for Inclusive Rehabilitation. This facility supports active-duty service members and veterans and serves as the training ground for Team Colombia, part of the Invictus family. The Duke and Duchess explored the rehabilitation facilities, engaged with athletes, participated in a volleyball match, and toured the centre’s art hall, receiving gifts from Invictus athletes. Their visit highlighted the transformative power of adaptive sports and rehabilitation in empowering veterans and servicemembers.
DAY 3 – Cartagena
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, accompanied by Vice President Francia Márquez, visited Escuela Tambores de Cabildo on La Boquilla beach in Cartagena. This drum school, under the Cabildo Corporation, has been instrumental in preserving Afro-Colombian cultural traditions for 14 years, offering music education and community support to children aged 6-18.
Upon arrival, the couple was welcomed by the sounds of drums and the school’s founder, Rafael Ramos. They observed a performance by local students and listened to community members, including children and elders, discuss the importance of preserving Cartagena’s culture. The Duke and Duchess joined a drum lesson and were moved by a community performance that highlighted the school’s role in celebrating the city’s rich heritage.
Later, they visited San Basilio de Palenque, a historically significant village near Cartagena. The couple was greeted with a performance of the Colombian national anthem and speeches by local leaders emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation. Prince Harry expressed thanks in Spanish, and the couple explored the vibrant street market, engaging with locals who cheered and danced. The visit celebrated San Basilio de Palenque’s heritage and reinforced the impact of community spirit and cultural connections.
DAY 4 – Cali
On their third day in Colombia, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex immersed themselves in Afro-Colombian culture, leadership, and the arts through a series of events.
“I find inspiration in the strong women around me, of course my mother being one of them. So much of how I approach things is less about the fight, and more about how do we show up in a space and wash things over with love and kindness and generosity.”
Meghan Markle, The Duchess of Sussex
The day began with the Duchess of Sussex joining Vice President Francia Márquez in Cali for a panel discussion titled “Afro-Descendant Women and Power: Voice of Equity.” The event highlighted the achievements and challenges of Afro-Colombian women leaders and entrepreneurs, featuring personal stories of both triumph and struggle. The panel also included performances by Afro-Colombian musicians Nidia Gongora and Cynthia Montano, which brought the audience, including the Duchess and Vice President, to their feet.
During the final panel, the Duchess, Vice President Márquez, and Benaifer Nowrojee, President of the Open Society Foundation, discussed their experiences as women of color in leadership roles. Speaking in Spanish, the Duchess praised Colombia’s rich culture, emphasizing the importance of community and the need for women and girls to be heard. The event concluded with a fashion show showcasing local Colombian designers.
“I hope you understand how much your actions impact the people and children in your communities. The path you’ve chosen will inspire and drive change for hundreds, even thousands, of young people.”
Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex
In the afternoon, the Duke and Duchess visited Unidad Recreativa El Vallado, where they engaged with the youth organization Jóvenes en Cali. They enjoyed salsa and hip hop performances and interacted with the young dancers, who shared their stories of overcoming challenges through art. Prince Harry encouraged the youth, while the Duchess commended their use of art to support mental health.
Throughout the day, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were deeply engaged with the people of Cali, celebrating Afro-Colombian culture, supporting youth initiatives, and expressing their heartfelt thanks for the warm hospitality they received during their visit to Colombia.
The day ended at the Petronio Music Festival, the world’s largest celebration of Afro-Colombian heritage, where the Duke and Duchess joined Vice President Márquez to kick off the festivities.
Reference and Photo credit: Sussex.com