The Sussexes made a stylish entrance in matching navy suits on their first day in Colombia, charming students and sparking a buzz of mixed reactions.
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan touched down in Bogotá, Colombia, on August 15, 2024. Their visit aims to spotlight and tackle various social issues.
An online user comments on Meghan Markle’s outfit on her first day in Colombia, in a post dated August 15, 2024 | Source: Instagram/harpersbazaarus/
The couple were warmly received by Vice President Francia Márquez, who organized their four-day visit. The official page of the President of Colombia posted about their visit online, writing, “We give you a big welcome to the Land of Beauty. 🇨🇴.”
Upon their arrival, the Duchess presented the Vice President and her partner, Rafael Yerney Pinillo, with a personal gift. During their conversation, Francia expressed her personal admiration for Harry’s mother, the late Princess Diana.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Francia Márquez during the Sussexes visit to Colombia, from an Instagram post dated, August 15, 2024 | Source: Instagram/vicepresidenciacolombia/
The four then enjoyed an intimate tea and coffee hour at the Vice President’s residence before the royals embarked on a busy day of engagements. Their trip will include school visits, panels, cultural performances, and more.
Harry and Meghan opted for a chic look for their first day of events in Colombia. Meghan chose a navy Veronica Beard waistcoat, named the Orlinda Vest, which has a halter neckline and shell-patterned buttons. She paired it with matching cropped trousers, known as Arte Pant.
The former “Suits” actress also accessorized with Pippa Small 18kt Gold kyanite classic studs. She added on a Lorraine Schwartz 18-karat white gold, topaz, and diamond bracelet, and a gold Cartier Tank Française watch.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex is welcomed to Colombia by Vice President Francia Márquez at her official residence in Bogota, Colombia, on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Meghan then accentuated her appearance with a Loro Piana handbag made from calfskin and black suede Manolo Blahnik pointed-toe pumps. She looked stunning with her dark tresses styled in a sleek updo, complemented by brown eye shadow and a glossy lip.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry visit a local charter school, Colegio Cultura Popular, in Bogota, Colombia, from a YouTube video dated August 16, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@thesun
Harry matched Meghan in a navy blue herringbone Super 150’s wool Brunico suit, which features notch lapels, two buttons, flap pockets, and two back vents. He completed the look with a light blue button-down shirt.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry visit a local charter school, Colegio Cultura Popular, in Bogota, Colombia, from a YouTube video dated August 16, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@thesun
Online opinions on Harry and Meghan Markle’s outfits varied widely. Some viewers were critical, with one remarking, “Makes her look dumpy!”
Meghan Markle and a student during her visit to a local charter school, Colegio Cultura Popular, in Bogota, Colombia, from a YouTube video dated August 16, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@thesun
One person declared, “The outfit Duchess Grin-a-Lot is wearing is absolutely awful. Tacky beyond words!” There was also confusion over details, as one comment questioned, “Why that last button a different color?”
Yerney Pinillo, Vice President Francia Márquez, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry visit a local charter school, Colegio Cultura Popular, in Bogota, Colombia, from a YouTube video dated August 16, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@thesun
However, not all feedback was negative. Many praised the couple’s style, with comments like, “Looking amazing! So chic! 😍❤️🇨🇴.” Another user added, “She looks stunning! Love the outfits.”
Meghan Markle visits a local charter school, Colegio Cultura Popular, in Bogota, Colombia, from a YouTube video dated August 16, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@thesun
Enthusiastic admirers couldn’t contain their excitement, with one person exclaiming, “Just look at them… my goodness… STUNNING 😍🔥🥰❤️💃🏽❤️❤️❤️.”
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry visit a local charter school, Colegio Cultura Popular, in Bogota, Colombia, from a YouTube video dated August 16, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@thesun
Meanwhile, some expressed concern about their family life, questioning, “Didn’t Archi start kindergarten yesterday? What kind of mother leaver her children for a trip?” Another person wondered, “Where are their children? The quiet life. 😭”
Meghan Markle visita a local charter school, Colegio Cultura Popular, in Bogota, Colombia, from a YouTube video dated August 16, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@thesun
Harry and Meghan are concentrating on their busy schedule in Colombia. On their first day, they attended a theater performance in the early afternoon. They later enjoyed a musical and dance performance at the Plaza del Carnaval y la Cultura in San Juan de Pasto.
Yerney Pinillo, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry visit a local charter school, Colegio Cultura Popular, in Bogota, Colombia, from a YouTube video dated August 16, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@thesun
Following these cultural events, they participated in a summit focused on internet safety, a cause close to their hearts. Francia shared her belief that she and the Sussexes have common ideals and goals.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Colombia Vice President Francia Márquez, Maria Ressa, and Felipe Galvis are seen at a Summit on Responsible Digital Future in Bogota, Colombia, on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
She spoke of their mutual advocacy for a safer digital environment and better mental health support for children and the global community.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visits the local charter school, Colegio Cultura Popular in Bogota, Colombia, on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Prince Harry and Meghan have created a resource for themselves and other parents seeking support. This initiative, known as “The Parents’ Network,” is associated with their charitable Archewell Foundation and was officially launched in August 2024.
José David, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Leonel Umaña Parra, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Colombia Vice President Francia Márquez visit a local charter school, Colegio Cultura Popular in Bogota, Colombia, on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Meghan said, “Our kids are young; they’re three and five. They’re amazing. But all you want to do as parents is protect them.” She added that, given what’s happening online, they recognize there’s still much work to be done and are grateful to contribute to positive change.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Vice President Francia Márquez, and Yerney Pinillo visit a local charter school, Colegio Cultura Popular, in Bogota, Colombia, on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
She has emphasized the need to approach internet safety from a personal perspective. “What if it was my daughter? What if it was my son?” she asked.
The Colombian Vice President’s Office, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Vice President Francia Márquez, and Yerney Pinillo (C-R) visit a local charter school, Colegio Cultura Popular, in Bogota, Colombia, on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Meghan, who is a mom of two, suggested viewing the issue through the lens of a parent. She noted that imagining how devastating it would be if their child’s life were altered by something beyond their control, can drive the urgency to find solutions.