On their second day in Colombia, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited a local school, engaging in heartfelt activities and paying tribute to Colombia’s past while fostering connections with young students and veterans.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are making headlines on their four-day tour of Colombia, a visit initiated by Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez. The couple arrived in Bogotá on August 15, 2024, and has since been immersed in a series of emotionally resonant and culturally significant events.

On August 16, Harry and Meghan visited La Giralda School in Santa Fe. The school had prepared a warm welcome for the royal couple, featuring traditional Colombian dances and heartfelt interactions. The visit included a tour of the school’s memorial museum, where the royals learned about Colombia’s tumultuous history and the victims of past conflicts. Diana Basto, the school’s CEO, described the experience as “emotional” and special, noting that the children and staff were thrilled by the visit.

The royal duo participated in several activities at the school, including planting trees in the garden, an initiative that aligns with their advocacy for environmental sustainability and outdoor learning. The visit concluded with the couple receiving colourful gifts and heartfelt letters from the students, which they promised to take home to their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

The day also featured a visit to the Centro de Rehabilitación Inclusiva, where Harry and Meghan met with Colombian war veterans. They engaged in meaningful conversations and posed for photographs with the veterans, many of whom wore their service medals. This visit underscored the couple’s commitment to honouring military service and promoting mental health awareness, themes central to Harry’s Invictus Games initiative.

Later, the couple attended a training session with the Invictus Games’ Team Colombia, where Harry enthusiastically joined in a game of seated volleyball. The event highlighted Colombia’s preparation for the upcoming Invictus Games in Canada, and Harry’s involvement brought a lively and engaging element to the session.

Throughout their visit, Meghan made a poignant nod to Princess Diana by wearing Diana’s earrings, which added a touching layer to the trip’s events. The couple’s actions have received mixed reactions, but many view their efforts as a commendable display of compassion and cultural engagement.

Analysis:

• Political: The visit comes amid ongoing human rights concerns in Colombia, as highlighted by Human Rights Watch. The royal tour, while generally positive, also brings attention to these issues, potentially influencing public perception of Colombia’s human rights situation. The royal couple’s focus on cultural and educational initiatives may offer a diplomatic boost to Colombia’s international image but does not directly address the underlying political challenges.
• Social: The couple’s engagement with local communities and their focus on education and environmental sustainability reflect broader societal values of empathy and social responsibility. Their interactions with schoolchildren and veterans not only foster positive international relations but also reinforce their personal brand of compassionate activism. Meghan’s choice to wear Princess Diana’s earrings further connects the tour to broader themes of legacy and emotional connection.
• Racial: The tour does not explicitly address racial issues, but it highlights the diverse cultural backdrop of Colombia. The couple’s participation in traditional Colombian dances and their interaction with indigenous communities subtly acknowledges the country’s racial and cultural diversity. Their visit could encourage greater international awareness of Colombia’s rich cultural heritage.
• Gender: The visit showcases the couple’s efforts to engage with various gender-related issues, from promoting mental health awareness to honouring female veterans. Meghan’s role in the tour, including her thoughtful fashion choices and interactions with children, underscores her influence and engagement in gender-related discussions. The visit also highlights the evolving role of modern royals in addressing gender issues through their public engagements.
• Economic: The royal tour has significant economic implications for Colombia, including potential boosts to tourism and international visibility. The positive media coverage and the couple’s endorsement of local cultural and educational initiatives may attract future investments and tourism, benefiting Colombia’s economy. The visit also reinforces the economic impact of high-profile public engagements by celebrities and royals.