Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will visit Colombia later this year on a tour that will see them “engage with leaders, young people and women”, it was confirmed today.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are travelling to the South American country after accepting an invitation from Vice President Francia Márquez.
Harry and Meghan will also “engage in a range of activities” related to “cyberbullying, online exploitation and the impact of these threats on mental health”.
According to Ms. Márquez’s office, the couple would “experience Colombia’s rich heritage” and “highlight Colombia’s role as a beacon of culture and innovation.”
She added that the visit comes ahead of the first global ministerial conference on ending violence against children, to be held in Colombia in November.
Prince Harry and Meghan at the 2024 ESPY Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on July 11
Ms Márquez said: ‘As Vice President of Colombia and Minister of Equality and Equity, I am pleased to inform you that Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have accepted my invitation to visit our beautiful country.
‘During their trip, the Duke and Duchess will accompany me on a visit to Bogotá, as well as to the Caribbean and Pacific regions of Cartagena and Cali.
‘In these vibrant locations, they will have the exceptional opportunity to connect with leaders, youth and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians committed to progress. In addition to these meaningful interactions, the Duke and Duchess will experience Colombia’s rich heritage.’
She added that the visit would come at a “particularly important time” as it comes ahead of the “Ending Violence against Children” conference.
Ms Márquez continued: ‘The Archewell Foundation, founded by The Duke and Duchess, is known for its global leadership in creating a safer online environment.
‘The upcoming conference will present a comprehensive framework for creating safer physical and digital spaces, addressing issues such as cyberbullying, online exploitation and the impact of these threats on mental health.
‘It will provide actionable 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 range of activities related to this important topic.
“We are confident that their visit will further highlight Colombia’s role as a beacon of culture and innovation.”
This came after Harry and Meghan paid a three-day visit to Nigeria in May at the invitation of the Chief of Defence Staff.
The couple visited a school, met wounded soldiers at a military hospital and attended training sessions for a charity that partners with the Invictus Games.
They also attended a reception honoring military families and Meghan co-hosted an event on women in leadership with Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization.
The couple’s other activities included a basketball camp with Giants of Africa, a cultural reception and a polo fundraiser for Nigeria: Unconquered.