Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announce they will visit Colombia to “engage with leaders and young people” and “discover the country’s rich heritage”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will visit Colombia for a tour later this year where they will “engage with leaders, young people and women,” it was confirmed today.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will travel to the South American country after accepting an invitation from its vice president, Francia Márquez.

Harry and Meghan will also “engage in a number of activities” relating to “cyberbullying, online exploitation and the impacts of these threats on mental health.”

Ms Marquez’s office said the couple would “experience Colombia’s rich heritage” and help “illuminate Colombia’s role as a beacon of culture and innovation”.

She added that the visit will precede the first World Ministerial Conference to End Violence against Children, which will be held in Colombia next November.

Ms Marquez said: ‘As Vice President of Colombia and Minister for Equality and Equity, I am delighted to announce that Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have kindly accepted my invitation to visit our beautiful country.

‘During their trip, the Duke and Duchess will accompany me on visits to Bogotá, as well as the Caribbean and Pacific regions of Cartagena and Cali.

‘In these vibrant locations, they will have the exceptional opportunity to interact with leaders, youth and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians committed to progress. In addition to these meaningful interactions, the Duke and Duchess will experience Colombia’s rich heritage.’

He added that the visit would come at a “particularly significant time” as it precedes a conference to end violence against children.

Continuing, Ms Marquez said: ‘The Archewell Foundation, founded by The Duke and Duchess, is recognised for its global leadership in fostering a safer online environment.

‘The upcoming conference will unveil a comprehensive framework for creating safer physical and digital spaces, addressing issues such as cyberbullying, online exploitation and the impacts of these threats on mental health.

‘It will offer viable solutions and commitments for countries around the world. During their visit, the Duke and Duchess, as well as the Archewell Foundation, will take part in a number of activities related to this important issue.

“We are confident that your visit will further illuminate Colombia’s role as a beacon of culture and innovation.”