The Colombian Vice President Explained What Inspired Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Visit

She invited them for the most relatable reason.

Meghan Markle—alongside her husband Prince Harry—kicked off a Colombian tour today with a summer-ready power suit and a visit to the Vice President Francia Márquez's office, where they also met her husband, Yerney Pinillo. During a press conference on Thursday, the VP explained that she was a fan of the Sussexes, prompting her to reach out to the couple.

"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 said, referring to their Netflix's 2022 docuseries, Harry & Meghan.

Márquez, who is the first Black woman to hold her position and also acts as Colombia's Minister for Equality and Equity, expressed her admiration for Meghan and her desire to hear more about her story.

"It motivated me to say, 'This is a woman who deserves to visit our country and share her story,' and undoubtedly, her visit will strengthen so many women around the world," she continued.

According to People, Márquez also invited Markle to a "Day of Afro-descendant Women" in July, as Markle recently shared that she was 43% Nigerian. The duchess, however, was unable to make it the annual event.

"At that time, we sent her an invitation letter, and she responded saying that she couldn’t come but was very eager to visit and get to know our country," Márquez said.

Márquez announced on August 1 that the Sussexes would be making a trip to the South American country with a statement shared on her website.

"As the Vice President of Colombia and Minister of Equality and Equity, I am pleased to announce that Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have kindly accepted my invitation to visit our beautiful country," the announcement read.

During their international stay, Harry and Meghan are slated to attend performances at the Plaza del Carnaval y la Cultura in San Juan de Past, appear at a summit discussing internet safety, and have a meeting with Colombian athletes participating in the Invictus Games, per Harper's Bazaar.

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