Meghan Markle recently captivated crowds during her visit to Colombia, showcasing her Spanish language skills at the "Afro Women and Power" event held on August 18. The Duchess of Sussex's multilingual abilities were on full display as she opened her speech by introducing herself in Spanish, demonstrating her commitment to connection and cultural appreciation.
Accompanied by Prince Harry and her mother, Doria Ragland, Meghan spoke passionately about the importance of voice and representation at the forum. After introducing herself, she provided updates about her three-year-old daughter, Lilibet, and expressed pride in Lilibet's burgeoning voice.
Meghan proudly stated, "She has found her voice, and we are so proud of it," emphasizing the significance of empowerment within families. Her personal anecdotes not only engaged the audience but also connected her experiences as a mother to broader themes of advocacy and empowerment within the Afro-Colombian community.
During her speech, Meghan shared her fascination with Colombia's warmth, culture, and history, calling the trip "a dream". She has mentioned learning Spanish 20 years ago during her time studying at Northwestern University and interning at the American Embassy in Argentina.
Her transition to Spanish during the presentation received applause from the audience, who appreciated her efforts to communicate directly. Meghan conversed fluidly with Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez, who sat alongside her during the panel discussion.
Experts have weighed in on Meghan's Spanish proficiency, with feedback praising her accent and clarity. One native speaker noted, "Her accent is very mild, but her grammar is sometimes off, which is understandable since she hasn't practiced much lately, yet she was easy to comprehend."
Besides being linguistically agile, Meghan spotlighted the achievements of Afro-Colombian women during the discussion. She highlighted the resilience of these women, emphasizing the need for their voices to be amplified and acknowledged rather than muted.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Meghan mentioned how both her mother and the strong women surrounding her inspire her daily. She stated, "Of course, my mother being one of them. Much of how I approach things is about showing up with love, kindness, and generosity, rather than seeking out conflict or confrontation."
The couple engaged with the crowd after the event, interacting with attendees and enjoying performances by local youth organizations. The atmosphere was filled with celebration and optimism, as Meghan and Harry encouraged the young people present to share their dreams and ambitions.
Colombia rolled out extraordinary security measures for the royal couple's visit, emphasizing their importance on the world stage. Despite being outside of official royal duties, the Sussexes received military attention, ensuring their safety during the tour.
The four-day itinerary was not without controversy, as some royal observers questioned the appropriateness of accepting such visits. Former royal staff member Anthony Cawdron remarked on these concerns, stating how the visit could stir public debate around the couple's roles and responsibilities.
Meghan's celebration of cultural connections and emphasis on female empowerment came through vividly, asserting the importance of recognizing African heritage within Colombia. The audience responded enthusiastically to the Duchess’s affirmations of identity and inclusion.
Many attendees expressed their gratitude for Meghan's honors to their culture and their fight for equal representation. Meghan’s closing words inspired young boys and girls to speak openly and confidently about their ideas and ambitions.
Reflecting on the day's events, Harry and Meghan prepared for their next experience, immersing themselves even more deeply within Colombian culture. They planned to attend the Afro-Colombian Music Festival, marking the conclusion of their enlightening tour.
Both Meghan and Harry have emphasized their commitment to fostering new dialogues around identity and empowerment. Moving forward, the couple seeks to continue their advocacy for diverse communities and actively lend their influence to such causes.
After their engaging visit, the couple is expected to return to California, where they will focus on their family and continuing advocacy work. Their Colombian adventure served as a reminder of the impact of language, culture, and the importance of dialogue across communities.
