During their four-day visit to Colombia, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spent time supporting projects that protect young people from online dangers. They arrived in Bogota and were warmly welcomed by Vice President Francia Márquez and her husband Rafael Yerney Pinillo. The royal couple had an intimate meeting at the Vice President’s home, enjoying coffee, tea and traditional Colombian cheese bread (pan de bono).

As part of their busy schedule, Harry and Meghan visited local schools, encouraging students to improve their digital literacy and raise awareness about mental health. Vice President Márquez previously revealed that they would also have a special opportunity to interact with elders, young people and women who represent the aspirations and voices of the Colombian people.

After finishing the first activity, the couple visited a school. The image of them holding hands and leaving the Vice President’s office attracted attention. More specifically, a brief conversation between Harry and Meghan when they greeted everyone was revealed by lip reading expert Nicola Hickling. Accordingly, Meghan quietly ordered Harry with a single word: “Hand”; and received a short answer: “Here you go”.

Explaining her invitation to Harry and Meghan to visit Colombia, Vice President Márquez said she was moved after watching their documentary on Netflix. The film exposed the dark side of royal life and how they were treated unfairly.  “I watched the documentary on Netflix about their lives, their stories, and it moved me. It made me think that this woman deserves to come to our country, to tell her story. Her sharing will certainly empower many women around the world ,” the Vice President shared.

While the trip had many similarities to an official royal visit, the couple actually stepped back from their roles as senior royals in 2020. At Colegio Cultura Popular in Bogota, Harry and Meghan visited and interacted with headmaster Leonel Umaña Parra and student José David. They also shared interesting things about their children, Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3.  “I have young children and they don’t use social media ,” Harry told the crowd.

The couple’s visit aims to highlight Colombia’s role as a pioneer in culture and innovation. They visited the capital Bogota , the cities of Cartagena and Cali, as well as meeting the country’s Invictus Games team.