Asked earlier at a press conference how the invitation to Colombia had come about, Ms Marquez said: “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.
“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 suggested that she and the Duchess had experienced similar racist abuse during their time in public life.
Ms Marquez originally invited the Duchess to participate in events for a “Day of Afro-descendant Women” last year.
“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,” she said.
“Since then, we have been working for a year to make this important visit happen, and that’s how it came about.”
The Netflix show, called Harry and Meghan and aired in 2022, detailed the Sussexes’ exit from the Royal family.
It included criticism of the Commonwealth, with one contributor calling it “Empire 2.0” and another saying the organisation had “not changed a thing [since colonial days], they’ve just got better PR”.
The documentary included interviews with Harry, Meghan, her mother Doria and friends who painted an unhappy picture of their time in the Royal family, battles with the tabloid press, and revelations about the Duchess’ suicidal thoughts and miscarriage.
Ms Marquez was also asked about the significance of Diana, Princess of Wales being scheduled to visit Colombia before she died in 1997.
“I think the world witnessed the story of Diana,” she replied. “The world saw the story of harassment and how painful it must have been for her and for many women around the world who sometimes find themselves in similar situations or occupy certain positions.
“I believe that having Prince Harry here today, following his mother’s dream of visiting this country, is a great opportunity to showcase the best of our nation, to show who we Colombians are.
“People who, despite adversities, do their best to give the best of themselves. I think it’s a tremendous opportunity for Colombia to highlight what we are as a nation.”