Meghan Markle and Prince Harry ‘Honored’ to Visit Afro-Colombian With ‘Incredible History’; Details Inside

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As a lifestyle expert with a penchant for history and cultural immersion, I must say that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry‘s visit to San Basilio de Palenque was nothing short of inspiring. Having traveled extensively across various continents, I can attest that such an authentic connection with a community steeped in historical significance is a rare and beautiful experience.

On August 17th, 2024, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made a unique trip to San Basilio de Palenque, a historic town situated near Cartagena, Colombia. Notably, this village is recognized as the first liberated African settlement in the Americas, established in the year 1619. In simpler terms, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited Colombia.

San Basilio de Palenque is renowned for its vibrant cultural legacy and significant role in the history of Afro-Colombians. Upon their arrival, Meghan and Harry were warmly welcomed by the locals. To mark this special occasion, students from local schools sang the Colombian national anthem. Subsequently, they listened to speeches from local authorities and enjoyed traditional performances put on by the villagers.

During their tour, one particularly thrilling moment occurred as Meghan and Harry ventured into a bustling street market in San Basilio de Palenque. There, they immersed themselves in a kaleidoscope of colorful crafts, tantalizing food, and lively exchanges, offering them a unique glimpse into the daily lives of ordinary residents.

During their visit, Colombia’s Vice President, Francia Márquez, delivered a heartfelt speech. She expressed gratitude to Meghan and Harry for accepting her invitation to visit the village. In Márquez’s view, this visit serves to showcase Colombia’s spirituality, music, culture, and ancestral heritage, which are crucial elements of resilience within the Afro-Colombian community. She described Palenque as being “at the core of every Afro-Colombian,” emphasizing its significant role in the nation.

As a dedicated follower, I’d express my feelings about visiting San Basilio de Palenque in this way:

Salinas displayed a statue of Benkos Bioho, the founder of San Basilio de Palenque, and shared some information about the town’s cultural history with the couple. During this conversation, Padilla discussed issues related to racism and its effects with them. Harry had mentioned to Padilla in the past that eradicating racial discrimination was crucial, and he assured him, “We are actively addressing that issue.”

During their visit, many people showed great appreciation, but some local residents wished the visiting couple would discuss the British crown’s past role in colonial slave trade. Hairdresser Elida Canarte Diaz expressed a hope that Prince Harry might issue an apology for the historical mistreatment perpetrated by his forebears.

Despite the varied responses, our journey to Colombia was viewed as a significant gesture of empathy and solidarity towards the Afro-Colombian community. As stated on our official website, we visited with the intention of empowering communities and celebrating unity (Sussex Royal). This trip was perceived as an endeavor by Meghan and myself to uphold cultural preservation and human rights by engaging respectfully with local customs.

While touring Colombia, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry experienced a particularly meaningful moment during their visit to San Basilio de Palenque. This village carries great historical and cultural importance, which was underscored by their trip. The fact that they acknowledged the community’s heritage and took action on local issues demonstrates their commitment to fostering positive change and forging connections between diverse cultures.

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2024-08-20 16:22