- Meghan Markle impresses with her Spanish skills
- She removes her earpiece and speaks Spanish on stage
- Meghan and Prince Harry attended a women's empowerment forum
Upon their arrival in Cali on August 18, 2024, Meghan and Harry were greeted with open arms. The city, known as the world capital of salsa, offered the perfect backdrop for the couple to dive deep into Colombia's rich cultural tapestry. At the Municipal Theatre, the Sussexes were not just spectators but active participants, swaying to the rhythms of Cynthia Montaño's musical performance.
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Meghan's Spanish surprise
Meghan, with her history of interning at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires and studying in Madrid, wowed the crowd by removing her earpiece and addressing them in fluent Spanish. Her words of gratitude for Colombian hospitality and her admiration for the country's culture resonated deeply with the audience. This isn't the first time Meghan has showcased her language skills; she previously impressed during a Los Angeles charity visit in 2020, speaking "perfect" Spanish according to Father Greg Boyle of Homeboy Industries.
Empowering young voices
The Duchess of Sussex took the opportunity to share her personal journey of finding her voice from a young age and emphasized the importance of empowering young girls and boys to do the same. Recalling her successful effort to change the language of a sexist commercial at age 11, Meghan highlighted the work of the Archewell Foundation in fostering environments where young voices are heard and valued.
From Bogota to Cali, and the historic village of San Basilio de Palenque, Harry and Meghan's tour was a blend of cultural immersion and advocacy. Whether it was participating in a drum lesson, exploring the significance of social media use with young students, or meeting Colombia's Invictus Games athletes, every stop was a testament to their commitment to making meaningful connections.