Day two of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s visit to Colombia saw the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepping back into the classroom, where they delighted young students with their newfound Spanish skills. The royal couple visited Colegio La Giralda, a small school located in the Santa Fe locality of Bogotá, the capital district of Colombia. This heartwarming visit was part of their ongoing commitment to education and community engagement, values they have championed throughout their public lives.
Upon arriving at the school, Meghan, 43, charmed the students with her warm and engaging demeanor. “You’re the same age as my son Archie!” she said in Spanish to one of the students, showcasing her ability to connect with the children in their native language. Archie, the couple’s firstborn, celebrated his fifth birthday in May, and Meghan and Harry are also proud parents to their daughter Lilibet, who turned three this year.
The visit to Colegio La Giralda allowed the couple to immerse themselves in the local culture and engage with the students in a meaningful way. Meghan’s fluency in Spanish, which came as a pleasant surprise to many, was highlighted by Homeboy Industries founder Father Greg Boyle, who was present during the visit. “She spoke Spanish perfectly with one young woman,” Father Boyle noted, adding that Meghan’s effortless transition into Spanish was a revelation and left a lasting impression on those in attendance.
Not to be outdone, Prince Harry, 39, also displayed his Spanish language skills, engaging with the kindergarteners by asking them their names and ages in Spanish. His efforts were met with smiles and enthusiasm from the children, who were thrilled to interact with the royal visitors. The kindergarteners, eager to showcase their talents, performed a song for Meghan and Harry and presented them with gifts and handwritten letters, a touching gesture that clearly moved the couple.
The royal couple’s visit to the school included a tour of the premises, where they participated in an art class and assisted in planting trees on the school’s property. Colegio La Giralda prioritizes outdoor education, with a school garden established in 2020 to teach students about environmental stewardship and the importance of farmers in sustaining their community. Meghan and Harry’s involvement in the garden project underscored their commitment to promoting sustainable practices and educating the next generation about the environment.
Following their visit to the school, Meghan and Harry had a private lunch with Colombia’s Vice President, Francia Márquez. During this meeting, they learned more about the upcoming Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, which Bogotá will host in November. The conference is a significant event, and the couple’s interest in it aligns with their longstanding advocacy for children’s rights and well-being.
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Vice President Márquez, who had invited Meghan and Harry to Colombia, revealed during a May press conference that she was inspired to reach out to the couple after watching their Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan. “How did I get to know Meghan and Harry? I first encountered them through the media, and I particularly watched the Netflix series about their lives and their story, which deeply moved me,” she shared. Speaking specifically about Meghan, Márquez added, “It motivated me to say, ‘This is a woman who deserves to visit our country and share her story.’”
In addition to their meeting with Vice President Márquez, Meghan and Harry were scheduled to meet with members of Colombia’s Invictus Games team later in the day. Colombia made history during the last Invictus Games in 2023 by becoming the first South American nation to participate, and the couple’s ongoing support for the event highlights their dedication to veterans and their families. The next iteration of the Invictus Games will be held in 2025, and Colombia’s involvement continues to grow in significance.
As Meghan and Harry continue their four-day tour of Colombia, they are set to visit Cartagena and Cali, where they will further promote the work of their Archewell Foundation. Through their engagements, the couple aims to shine a spotlight on important social issues and foster connections with communities across the country. Their visit to Colombia not only underscores their commitment to global causes but also reinforces the personal and impactful approach they bring to their public roles.
