Prince Harry And Meghan's Steamy Salsa Dance Goes Viral As They Conclude Their Colombia Tour
By Favour Adegoke on August 19, 2024 at 4:45 PM EDT
During their four-day visit to Colombia, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle immersed themselves in the vibrant culture of cities like Bogotá, Cartagena, and San Basilio de Palenque.
They participated in social media sessions, cultural performances, and a summit on responsible technology.
Before the end of their four-day trip, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle went salsa dancing with locals, and a clip of them performing a steamy routine has since gone viral online.
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Dance Their Way Through Colombia's Cultural Heart
On Saturday, Harry and Meghan visited the historic city of Cartagena and the traditional Afro-Caribbean village of San Basilio de Palenque.
While there, the royal couple immersed themselves in the vibrant local culture and showed off their salsa dancing skills.
The Sussexes moved seamlessly across the dance floor, with their arms wrapped around each other as they swayed to the rhythm.
¡Los duques de Sussex, Harry y Meghan, bailando salsa en Cali! pic.twitter.com/SH5P3s1NC4
— Juana Peña (@Chris_Montz) August 18, 2024
In one lovely moment, Meghan pulled her prince close, cradling his face in her hands before giving him a quick kiss.
The former actress was later spotted sharing a playful dance with a local man dressed in a white T-shirt. Meghan was also gracefully spun and dipped by a woman from the crowd. Her laughter filled the room as she moved perfectly with the music.
According to the Daily Mail, the duchess looked effortlessly stylish at the event in a white linen skirt paired with Princess Diana's iconic £17,800 Gold Tank Française Watch.
Meanwhile, Harry looked dapper in a light blue linen shirt, complemented by cream trousers and brown shoes.
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Tour Historic San Basilio de Palenque
The local community welcomed the Sussexes with cheers and applause as the couple, accompanied by their security team, mingled with their enthusiastic hosts.
As Harry and Meghan strolled through the village square, hand in hand, they passed by stalls showcasing traditional handicrafts and engaged in lively conversations with the villagers.
Later, they toured the historic village of San Basilio de Palenque, the first free African town in the Americas, founded in 1619. The significance of the visit was profound, as San Basilio de Palenque was established nearly 300 years ago by formerly enslaved Africans and is often referred to as a "little corner of Africa."
Some locals have expressed a desire for Harry to address the British monarchy's involvement in the colonial slave trade. However, while the Duke of Sussex has previously spoken out against the "unjust" system that allowed enslaved individuals to create wealth for the Crown, he has yet to offer an apology for his family's part in this historical oppression.
Meghan Markle Highlights Women's Empowerment At 'Afro Women And Power' Conference In Cali
On the final day of their tour of Colombia, Meghan took the stage at the "Afro Women and Power" conference in Cali. She began her remarks by speaking in Spanish, referring to Ms. Márquez as "my friend," before switching to English to pay tribute to Harry.
She expressed her appreciation, saying, "My husband is [a] great testament to the role of men in empowering women, of allowing them to know that their voices are heard, starting at a young age all the way through adulthood, is key.'
The duchess also recounted her well-known story of writing to Procter & Gamble at the age of 11, urging the company to change a sexist soap commercial.
She shared her admiration for her mother and her pride in her three-year-old daughter, Lilibet.
"I encourage our daughter [...] at three she has found her voice, and we are so proud of that," Meghan remarked. "For me, I find inspiration in so many of the strong women around me. My mother being one of them. Life is full of surprises and can be quite complex."
The Sussexes' Other Activities In Colombia
Harry and Meghan began their visit to Colombia on August 15 in Bogotá, where they received an official welcome from Vice President Francia Márquez. Their first day was packed with activities, including a session at a local school focused on social media use.
They also enjoyed a cultural performance and participated in a summit that highlighted the pressing need for responsible technology practices.
The couple spent August 16 engaging with young children at a local kindergarten, attending a luncheon hosted by Márquez, and meeting Colombia's Invictus Games athletes.
On August 17, the Sussexes traveled to Cartagena, where they joined a drum lesson at a school dedicated to preserving cultural traditions through music education.
The Royal Duo Was Provided With Immense Security
Harry and Meghan were provided with heavy security during their "quasi-royal" tour of Colombia.
According to the Daily Mail, roads were closed off while a police Black Hawk helicopter and a drone circled the sky as the couple made their way to the town of Cartagena for an event.
An ambulance and a black police anti-terror, nuclear, and bioterrorism vehicle were also stationed outside as part of the couple's security measures.
Local reports revealed that 3,000 police officers were on the ground during the Sussexes' visit to the city and subsequent trip to the town of San Basilio de Palenque.
In photos of their outing, security personnel could be seen holding up a bulletproof suitcase to protect the royal couple in case of potential shooters.