The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, visited San Basilio de Palenque, a historic village in Colombia, on August 17, 2024. The village was established as the first free African town in the Americas in 1619. Upon arrival, the couple was greeted with a performance of the Colombian national anthem by students, followed by speeches and performances from Palenque’s community leaders. They also explored a vibrant street market during their walk through the town. Vice President Francia Màrquez expressed her gratitude for the couple accepting her invitation to visit the country and hoped they would discover the essence of the Afro-Colombian heritage that remains alive in Palenque.
During their visit, Meghan and Harry greeted the group in both Spanish and the town’s indigenous language of Palenquero. Meghan expressed her honor in visiting San Basilio de Palenque, recognizing the community’s incredible history, while Harry described the experience as moving. The couple engaged with tour guides who discussed cultural identity and showed them a statue of the town’s founder, Benkos Bioho. The guides praised the couple for breaking protocol by choosing to tour the town and commended their commitment to human rights.
While many residents welcomed Meghan and Harry’s visit, some Palenqueros hoped the couple would address the British crown’s historical role in the colonial slave trade during their time in San Basilio de Palenque. Hairdresser Elida Canarte Diaz expressed a desire for the couple to acknowledge the past actions of their ancestors and show remorse for the suffering caused to their own ancestors. Despite these sentiments, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s website stated that the visit underscored their commitment to uplifting communities and celebrating heritage, reaffirming the power of community spirit and connection.
The couple’s visit to San Basilio de Palenque was seen as a reflection of their dedication to supporting and empowering communities. The goal of the visit was to highlight the rich heritage of the village and strengthen the bonds of community spirit. Through their interactions with residents, speeches, performances, and exploration of the town, Meghan and Harry showcased their support for cultural preservation and human rights. The visit served as a platform for dialogue on issues of historical significance and the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized communities.
Overall, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s visit to Colombia was met with a mix of appreciation and calls for acknowledgment of historical injustices. While some residents hoped the couple would address the legacy of colonialism and slavery, others praised their commitment to uplifting communities and supporting human rights. The visit to San Basilio de Palenque was marked by cultural exchanges, expressions of gratitude, and reflections on the importance of preserving heritage and fostering connections within communities. Meghan and Harry’s engagement with the residents highlighted the complexities of history and the ongoing efforts towards reconciliation and empowerment.
