On the inaugural day of their much-anticipated tour in Colombia, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry found themselves at the center of a brewing storm.

The Vice President of Colombia, Francia Marquez, publicly disapproved of Meghan’s choice of attire, igniting a debate that quickly overshadowed the royal couple’s official visit.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were excited to kick off their journey in Bogota, but the day took an unexpected turn when Marquez criticized Meghan’s black dress.

With its plunging neckline and thigh-high slit, the outfit was deemed inappropriate for such a formal occasion by the Vice President, who felt it did not align with the cultural sensitivities of Colombia.

As Meghan and Harry arrived at the Presidential Palace, all eyes were on Meghan, and Marquez’s disapproving glance was caught on camera.

In a subsequent interview, Marquez didn’t hold back, expressing her disappointment in no uncertain terms.

She articulated that as a high-ranking official, she expected visitors to show respect through their clothing choices, especially during significant state events.

According to her, Meghan’s fashion statement was ill-suited for someone representing the British monarchy.

Marquez emphasized the importance of cultural respect, stating that Colombians value their traditions highly.

She remarked that Meghan’s outfit diverged from the expectations of decorum that such occasions demand.

This sentiment sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, where many came to Meghan’s defense against the Vice President’s sharp critique.

Critics of Marquez took to platforms like Twitter, questioning her authority to dictate how Meghan should dress.

Comments ranged from labeling the Vice President’s stance as outdated to outright condemning it as sexist.

One Twitter user succinctly captured the sentiment by asking, “Who is she to enforce what Meghan wears?” Many asserted that women should have the autonomy to choose their clothing freely without facing judgment.

The backlash against Marquez’s comments also highlighted broader issues of machismo and sexism prevalent in various parts of Latin America.

Observers pointed out that such attitudes contribute to a culture that often undermines women’s rights and freedoms.

Some users argued that Marquez should reconsider her position, as perpetuating these archaic standards only serves to reinforce gender inequality.

Despite the controversy, Meghan and Harry continued their engagements around Bogota with poise.

The Duchess remained gracious, engaging warmly with crowds eager to see the royal couple.

However, behind the scenes, reports indicated that members of the royal team were quite disheartened by the Vice President’s remarks.

An insider described Marquez’s comments as inappropriate and disrespectful, emphasizing that Meghan has every right to express herself through her clothing choices.

The incident cast a shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory visit, which aimed to strengthen ties between the UK and Colombia.

As the couple moved forward with their packed itinerary—visiting schools and participating in cultural festivities—Marquez’s words lingered in the background, dominating news headlines both locally and internationally.

Speculation arose regarding potential diplomatic repercussions stemming from the Vice President’s comments, with some fearing it could sour relations between Colombia and the UK.

However, others believed that the uproar would eventually fade as the tour progressed, allowing Meghan and Harry’s charitable efforts to take center stage.

Interestingly, Meghan has chosen to remain silent on the matter, opting for a mature approach by not engaging with Marquez’s remarks.

Sources close to the Duchess indicated that she intends to focus on her work rather than enter into a public dispute.

This decision reflects a commitment to the meaningful contributions they aim to make during their time in Colombia.

As the tour unfolded, media attention gradually shifted away from the initial controversy towards the positive impact Meghan and Harry were making.

Their charisma and dedication to charity work began to overshadow the earlier negativity, demonstrating the resilience of the royal couple amid scrutiny.

Ultimately, despite the rocky start marked by Marquez’s disapproval, Meghan and Harry’s visit to Colombia was celebrated as a success.

Their charm and dedication resonated with the Colombian people, reaffirming their star status and strengthening the bond between the two nations.