In a whirlwind visit to Colombia, Meghan Markle’s outfit choice has ignited a firestorm of criticism, particularly from the nation’s vice president, Francia Mórquez.
The Duchess of Sussex’s fashion statement, perceived by many as inappropriate, has not sat well with the influential Colombian leader, who seems unimpressed by royal style choices.
The drama unfolded as Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, touched down in Bogotá for a four-day engagement.
Eager to make a good impression, Meghan presented Mórquez with a personal gift, presumably to build rapport with Colombia’s first black vice president.
However, this goodwill gesture was overshadowed by the backlash surrounding Meghan’s attire.
Mórquez, known for her advocacy in environmental and social justice issues, took particular offense to the revealing cut-out dress designed by Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz that Meghan wore during a visit to the National Center for the Arts.
The dress, which featured a daring slit and a provocative cut-out below the bust, was perceived by Mórquez as a stark violation of Colombian cultural norms.
“I expected Meghan Markle to show more respect and consideration for our traditions and customs,” Mórquez expressed.
Her comments highlighted that Meghan’s fashion choice was not just a personal style statement but also a misstep in acknowledging the values held dear by the Colombian people.
“We take great pride in our cultural heritage,” she added, emphasizing that the Duchess’s outfit strayed far from the modesty and elegance that are cherished in Colombia.
The vice president’s remarks have triggered a lively discussion across social media platforms.
Many Colombians have rallied behind Mórquez, supporting her stance that Meghan’s outfit was an affront to their cultural identity.
Some netizens accused the Duchess of cultural appropriation, arguing that her ensemble was an opportunistic move that failed to grasp the deeper significance of Colombian fashion traditions.
One Twitter user remarked, “Meghan Markle has a history of using her platform to promote her own agenda, often at the expense of the cultures she claims to support.”
This sentiment echoed a growing frustration among some who feel that Meghan’s actions reflect a pattern of disregard for the communities she engages with.
On the flip side, there are those who have come to Meghan’s defense, asserting that the Duchess is entitled to express herself through her clothing choices.
They argue that Mórquez’s critique may stem from an attempt to undermine Meghan’s influence rather than a genuine concern for cultural integrity.
One supporter tweeted, “Meghan is a global icon, and she has every right to wear what she wants, regardless of local opinions.”
As the debate rages on, the incident has undoubtedly cast a shadow over Meghan and Harry’s visit to Colombia, which was aimed at highlighting their dedication to social and environmental causes.
With a powerful political figure now publicly challenging her fashion choices, the couple’s trip has taken an unexpected turn.
The question remains: how will Meghan navigate this controversy as the tour progresses?
Will she be able to mend her image in the eyes of the Colombian people, or will this incident linger as a blemish on her visit?
As the world watches, the repercussions of this fashion faux pas could shape the narrative of the couple’s journey in Colombia.