Meghan Markle says she’s living her ‘chapter of joy’ during ‘dream’ trip to Colombia with Prince Harry

BOGOTA, COLOMBIA: As Meghan Markle reflects on her recent four-day Colombia trip with Prince Harry, she fondly calls that period a "chapter of joy" in her life. 

Although Harry was seen having a good time during the trip, even practising a bit of drumming, behind the scenes friends of the Duke of Sussex have painted a different picture. They revealed that Harry is struggling with homesickness and yearing to go back to his royal family and old life in Great Britain.

This emotional struggle has led some to describe him as an "angry boy", highlighting a stark contrast between the public celebration of the Sussexes' Colombian adventure and the private challenges they may be facing.

Meghan Markle calls Colombia tour a 'dream' trip

Meghan Markle delivered a speech at the Afro-Descendant Women and Power: Voices of Equity summit on August 18, addressing the challenges faced by Afro-Colombian women leaders in the face of racism, gender bias, and other issues. Held at the Teatro Municipal Enrique Buenaventura in Cali, the event featured Markle, Binaifer Nowrojee, and Colombian Vice President Francia Marquez. 

Reflecting on her experience, the Duchess of Sussex described her time in Colombia as a “chapter of joy", as per People.

She noted, "The more that you are able to look at your life and really, truly recognize that if you’re going to be grateful for your life, you have to be grateful for all aspects of it — the parts that were opportunities for growth and may have felt really difficult, as well as the parts that feel inspiring, joyful and full." 

She added, "My intentionality is to enjoy this chapter and to be able to move through every piece of that as best as I can. Because we are in your country, my husband and I can feel this embrace from Colombia — it’s incredible. The culture, the history — all of it — was a dream. This trip was a dream."

Meghan Markle highlights Archewell Foundation and its work

Highlighting and amplifying women's voices is a core mission of the Archewell Foundation, the nonprofit organization Meghan Markle and Prince Harry founded in 2020.

Meghan shared her gratitude for having her voice heard from a young age, recalling how, at just 11 years old, she wrote letters advocating for less sexist language in commercials. "I was very, very fortunate [that] at a young age to feel as though my voice was being heard, and I think that’s a luxury that a lot of young girls and women aren’t often afforded."

"For us and the work that we do with the Archewell Foundation and certainly the work we do as parents, as I do as a mother, is ensuring that young girls feel as though their voices are being heard, and also that young boys are being raised to listen and to hear those young women, as well," Meghan explained. 

She emphasized the importance of men in this process, "The role of men in this — of empowering women, of allowing them to know that their voices are heard starting at a young age all the way through adulthood — is key."

During a panel discussion, Meghan also spoke about the inspiration she draws from the strong women in her life, including her mother, Doria Ragland, and her daughter, Princess Lilibet, who turned three earlier this summer.

"I find inspiration in the strong women around me, of course, my mother being one of them. So much of how I approach things is through the lens of less about the fight — that’s not interesting to me — and more about how do we show up in a space and wash things over with love and kindness and generosity?" she said. 

She shared her understanding of what it feels like to suffer in silence or to remain unheard, and expressed pride in her daughter for finding her voice at such a young age.

Meghan Markle fans hail her for remaining graceful amid challenges

After hearing Meghan Markle describe her "chapter of joy" during her trip to Colombia, many people online lauded the Duchess of Sussex.

One user wrote, "Good for you Megan!!!!! You do wonderful work! Keep at it!!!!"

Another shared, "Very good Megan. You are moving on and enjoying life with your lovely family. Living your life based on your morals, values, and culture, cost many challenges, and difficulties but you remained graceful and unapologetically you. Blessings 🙌!!!" 

The third user added, "They looked fabulous on this tour. And the awareness they’re raising about cyber bullying is needed. Colombia seemed gracious and grateful for their visit."

The last user said, "They’re happily married, have healthy children, and have free will. That’s a recipe for a good life - regardless if they’re royalty or not. I’m happy for them."

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