Vice President Colombia Says Netflix Series Inspired Him to Invite Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to His Country
It turns out that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's high-profile trip to Colombia is thanks (in part) to Netflix.
On Thursday, August 15, the first day of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's visit to Colombia, Vice President Francia Marquez revealed part of the reason she extended an invitation to the royal couple to visit Colombia.
“My introduction to Meghan and Harry was through the media. In particular, I watched a series on Netflix about their lives and stories and was deeply moved,” Vice President Marquez said at the press conference.
“It inspired me to say, ‘This is a woman who deserves to visit our country and share her story,’” the vice president continued. And no doubt, her visit will strengthen many women around the world.”
In addition to revealing why he was originally attracted to the royal couple, the vice president revealed that he had previously invited Markle to visit the country and participate in the July 15 African-American Women's Day celebration.
Unfortunately, Markle was unable to attend, People reported.
“At that time we sent her an invitation and she replied that she could not come but was very eager to visit and get to know our country,” Marquez explained.
If one goal of the visit was to create an opportunity for Markle to continue telling her story, that goal was certainly achieved. On the first day of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's visit to Colombia, they participated in a panel discussion that stressed the importance of personal online safety, especially among young people.
This is an initiative that is very near and dear to both of them, especially Markle, who has been the target of racist attacks and death threats online.
“At the Archerwell Foundation, my wife and I believe that integrity of information is a fundamental right,” Prince Harry said during the discussion, as reported by People.
“As long as people are allowed to spread lies and abuse, social cohesion as we know it is completely broken,” Harry continued.
“What is happening on the Internet right now can be transmitted to the streets in a matter of minutes.”
Markle previously opened up about her experience with suicidal thoughts as a senior member of the Royal Family and told CBS Sunday Morning's Jane Pauley that she hopes her story will help others.
“I think part of our healing journey is to be able to really open up about whatever level of pain or trauma we experience. I've really scraped the surface of what I went through, but I don't think I want anyone else to feel that way, I don't think I want anyone else to plan that way, I don't think I want anyone else to believe that way.”
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