Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Make Diplomatic Visit to Colombia
In their second international tour of 2024, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited Colombia at the invitation of Vice President Francia Márquez. The couple, known for their commitment to global causes, spoke at the Responsible Digital Future Summit at Universidad Ean on August 15.
This visit follows their trip to Nigeria in May, both of which have drawn criticism from UK tabloids questioning the resemblance to royal tours despite the couple’s 2020 decision to step back as working royals.
Royal watcher Kristen Meinzer notes that international service trips are not new for either Harry or Meghan. Prince Harry’s background includes accompanying his parents on royal tours and serving in the Royal Air Force. He is also the founding patron of the Invictus Games, an international event. Meghan Markle, who studied international relations at Northwestern, worked with global organizations like World Vision, One Young World, and the United Nations before joining the royal family.
As working royals, the couple undertook several successful tours, including a 2018 visit to Australia and a 2019 tour of Africa. These trips showcased their ability to connect with local communities and highlighted their passion for charity and philanthropy.
Today, their international visits focus on promoting causes they are passionate about. Vice President Márquez invited them to Colombia to discuss creating a healthier and more ethical digital landscape, while Nigeria expressed interest in hosting the Invictus Games.
Despite media criticism, Meinzer argues that these visits offer a new path for Harry and Meghan, who have faced challenges in maintaining momentum in their media ventures. Evan Nierman, CEO of global PR firm Red Banyan, suggests that international diplomacy aligns with their skillset and passion, potentially providing a strategic direction for their future endeavors.