In an exciting announcement, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are gearing up for their next international adventure, with Colombia as their destination.
This eagerly anticipated visit was unveiled on August 1st by Francia Marquez, the Vice President of Colombia, who expressed her delight at welcoming the royal couple to her country.
Marquez, who made history as the first Black woman to hold the Vice Presidency in Colombia, shared her enthusiasm during a recent statement.
She said, “As the Vice President of Colombia and Minister of Equality and Equity, I am pleased to announce that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have kindly accepted my invitation to visit our beautiful country.” It’s clear that both the Sussexes and Colombian officials are looking forward to this unique engagement.
The couple’s itinerary remains under wraps, but they are expected to visit vibrant cities such as Bogotá, Cartagena, and Cali.
These locations promise rich cultural experiences and meaningful interactions, where the Sussexes will connect with local leaders, youth, and women who are passionate about driving progress in their communities.
This trip is particularly significant as it coincides with Colombia hosting the inaugural World Ministerial Conference on the Elimination of Violence Against Children in November.
The Sussexes’ visit is seen as a precursor to this important event, highlighting their commitment to addressing critical social issues.
At the heart of their mission is the Archwell Foundation, which the Duke and Duchess established to create safer online spaces.
During their time in Colombia, they will engage in discussions surrounding pressing topics such as cyberbullying and mental health, which were emphasized by Marquez in her remarks.
The conference aims to develop a global framework for enhancing safety in both digital and physical environments.
In addition to these discussions, the Archwell Foundation plans to host various events during the Sussexes’ visit, further emphasizing their dedication to fostering positive change.
This announcement follows their recent trip to Nigeria, where they advocated for mental health awareness and promoted the Invictus Games.
As representatives of the Archwell Foundation, this marks the Sussexes’ first official tour of Colombia since stepping back from royal duties in 2020.
Their foundation focuses on rebuilding trust in information and strengthening online communities, making this trip a fitting extension of their mission.
Interestingly, the Duchess of Sussex might showcase her Spanish language skills during this visit.
Meghan, who studied theater and international relations at Northwestern University, learned Spanish while interning at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Her fluency could enhance their interactions and deepen their connections with the Colombian people.
Moreover, the Duke’s Invictus Games initiative has ties to Colombia, which joined the Invictus Games Community of Nations in 2022, marking a historic moment as the first South American nation to do so.
This connection adds another layer of significance to their visit, as Colombia recently participated in the International Adapted Sports Tournament for Wounded, Injured, Sick, and Veteran Service People in Düsseldorf, Germany.
The timing of this announcement is noteworthy, as it parallels the Sussexes’ previous visit to Nigeria in May, where they were invited by the Chief of Defense Staff.
That trip included a focus on youth mental health programs and showcased Colombia’s debut in the Invictus Games, linking the two nations through shared values and initiatives.
With the anticipation building around their upcoming Colombian tour, it’s evident that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are committed to making a meaningful impact during their travels.
Their journey promises to be not only a celebration of Colombia’s rich culture but also a step toward addressing vital social issues on a global scale.