Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had a busy first day on their tour , engaging with schoolchildren and enjoying a vibrant performance.
The day began with a breakfast meeting with Vice President Francia Marquez and her husband, Rafael Yerney Pinillo. The couple savored coffee, tea, and traditional pan de bono (Colombian cheese bread), and exchanged welcome gifts.
Meghan, donned in a navy Veronica Beard summer suit , and Harry, in a suit, then visited the Colegio Cultura Popular, a children's school in Bogota. They were given a tour and informational session by the institution's head, Leonel Umana Parra, and student Jose David.
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Later, the Sussexes enjoyed a music and dance group performance at the Delia Zapata National Centre for the Arts. Meghan, dressed in a vibrant pink patterned dress by Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz, sat between her husband and Ms Marquez, her curled hair resting on her shoulders.
Harry and Meghan were seen applauding the performers and chatting with the other guests. They also posed for pictures with the performers.
Body language expert Judi James believes it was during this show that Harry revealed his true discomfort.
According to an expert speaking to The Mirror, "Despite his life-long induction into royal behaviour it was Meghan who managed to sustain a perfect royal smile at this performance while Harry's expressions and body language fluctuated."
"At times he was actively laughing and chatting using animated gesticulation but there were also 'flash' moments like this when his smile dropped and his facial expression looked almost dour in comparison to his wife's."
"When he sat watching there was a lot of pulling and fiddling with his clothes and some foot-shuffling to suggest awkwardness or anxiety while Meghan beside him adopted an elegant pose that didn't waver."
Meghan Markle dazzled earlier in the day in a chic £598 Orlinda vest from Veronica Beard. However, as she and Prince Harry stepped out to meet fans, the couple seemed to express contrasting emotions, according to body language analyst Judi.
She elaborated: "Meghan's 'Hey, I'm here! ' pose, facial expression and styling put her in full, confident A-lister mode here. Her eye expression registers a level of excitement, with her symmetric smile looking like a nod to a more regal approach, and her way of holding herself is celebrity-infused 'special' and far from casual, relatable and down-to-earth."
"She looks completely in her element, almost as if this is a moment she has been waiting for all her life. Her shoulders are wide and her elbows tucked into her body as she carries her large designer bag in one hand and lets her Royal husband guide her with the other."
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However, when it comes to Harry, Judi suggests his expression was more hesitant, indicating complex emotions about the trip.
"Harry walks ahead in less of a showy manner," she continued. "He offers a polite smile but his expression is slightly more restrained and intricate. His eyes look almost cautious which could be expected given that he is a Royal without the usual protocols and safety nets the Firm would have on official Royal tours."
Indeed, Harry has openly expressed his concerns about his family's security and refuses to travel to the UK after his taxpayer-funded protection was removed following his move to the US.
Security was tight today outside the children's school, Colegio Cultura Popular, in Bogota, where they were given a tour and informational session by the institution's head, Leonel Umana Parra, and student Jose David.
Heavily armed soldiers could be seen surrounding the area, along with armed police, officers on motorcycles, and suited security guards.
Meghan and Harry have been invited to Colombia by Vice President Marquez, and they have a full itinerary that includes meeting with leaders and discussing cyberbullying concerns.
On Friday, the couple will stay in Bogota to engage with students about emotional well-being in education. They are also scheduled to attend a luncheon hosted by Vice President Marquez and meet with Colombian competitors of the Invictus Games.
Colombia was the first South American country to participate in Prince Harry's sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans at the Dusseldorf Invictus Games in September 2023.
This visit marks the first joint trip to Colombia for Prince Harry and Meghan. During their stay, they will also tour the cities of Cartagena and Cali.
The Royal couple's visit precedes the inaugural World Ministerial Conference on the Elimination of Violence Against Children, which is set to take place in Colombia in November. The Archewell Foundation, founded by the couple, is committed to promoting safer digital environments.
Marquez stated: "The conference will present a global framework for creating safer physical and virtual spaces, addressing issues such as cyberbullying, online exploitation and the impact of these threats on mental health. It will offer practical 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 topic."
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