The Duke and Duchess are being hosted during the four-day visit by Francia Marquez, Colombia’s vice-president, who is known as a vocal champion of Afro-Colombians and women’s rights.
She got in touch with the Duchess last year to ask for her support, as a woman of African descent, in celebrating the International Afro-descendant Women’s Day on July 25.
Although the Duchess could not attend, she expressed a desire to visit Colombia, and Ms Marquez seized the opportunity.
On Thursday, the vice-president revealed that she had been prompted to make contact with the couple after being “deeply moved” by their Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan, which streamed in December 2022 and focused heavily on the impact of racism and the legacy of British colonialism.
She said of Meghan’s contribution: “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.”