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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Colombia: Duke and Duchess complete second day of Invictus training session – best photos


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Colombia: Duke and Duchess complete second day of Invictus training session – best photos

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have set off for the second day of their Colombia tour, Meeting the national Invictus Games team and spending time with the local children who saw Prince Harry compete!

Prince Harry, 39, and Meghan, 43, also spent their second day in the capital, after visiting a school and an arts centre and taking part in a panel discussion on digital responsibility on the first day.

WATCH: Prince Harry spotted ‘Papa dancing’ on day one of his Colombia tour

In their afternoon event they will face Team Colombia, the only Latin American country taking part in the Games, which made its debut in Düsseldorf last year. The Invictus Games were founded by Harry in 2014 and celebrate the sporting achievements of wounded, sick and injured soldiers. The Duke returned to the UK in May to attend a service at St Paul’s Cathedral to mark the tenth anniversary of Invictus.

The next games are scheduled to take place in Vancouver and Whistler from February 8 to 16, 2025. The Sussexes attended training camps in Canada earlier this year, where they were accompanied by singer Michael Bublé.

Meghan Markle talking to a young girl© Eric Charbonneau

A new school day

Harry and Meghan began the second day of their tour with a visit to Colegio La Giralda, a local school with an excellent reputation in the city of Santa Fe.

During their tour, the Duke and Duchess visited several classrooms and it is obvious that the children were thrilled to see them!

Prince Harry dances with a group of students

Another dance for the prince

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, visit Colegio La Giralda during their Colombia tour© Eric Charbonneau

The royal couple were treated to a performance of cumbia songs and live percussion. The students also wore traditional costumes for the performance.

Prince Harry plants a tree with a group of students

Planting trees

Harry pitched in at school and helped plant a tree.

The school told them how it prioritized the “outdoor classroom” concept.

Three trees were planted in honor of Harry and Meghan’s visit.

Prince Harry sits at a table with school children© Eric Charbonneau

Antics in the classroom

During the kindergarten classes that Harry and Meghan observed, the duo helped the children with puzzles and showed off their Spanish skills.

A little girl had her sights set on Meghan and can be seen in several pictures being held in the Duchess’s arms.

“You are the same age as my son Archie,” Meghan said to a student in Spanish about her son. Prince Archie.

Prince Harry was also heard practicing his Spanish and asking the students their names and ages. Afterwards, the two received handwritten letters from the children.

Prince H. Meghan, Harry and Francia Marquez chatting while sitting© Getty

A warm welcome

For their final appointment of the day, The Duke and Duchess accompanied the Vice President of Colombia, Francia Márquez, to the Centro de Rehabilitación Inclusiva for a training session with the Colombian Invictus Games team.

Meghan and Harry were greeted by military officials and an experienced military band who played a cumbia and salsa medley before setting off on a tour of the facilities.

Prince Harry and Meghan with athletes on the rowing machine© Getty

A tour of the facilities

The couple toured the resort’s swimming pool, climbing wall and rehabilitation facilities.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, speaks to a man in a wheelchair© Getty

Meeting with the athletes

The Duchess was seen chatting to an athlete, learning about his training schedule, favourite exercises and how he stays strong.

Prince Harry and Meghan sit and hold basketballs© Getty

An inspiring experience

“It’s incredible to watch them all,” Meghan noted, while her husband added, “It’s amazing to see how many people can come together to form a team.”

Prince Harry sits on the floor of the courtroom© Getty

Join in the action

The Sussexes also watched a volleyball game with Francia Marquez and her partner Rafael Yerney Pinillo.

Prince Harry with the Invictus basketball team© Getty

Part of the team

Prince Harry couldn’t resist getting in on the action and ended up taking part, while the Vice President and the Duchess cheered on from the sidelines.

Prince Harry meets several military veterans © Getty

Meeting with veterans

After the game, Prince Harry met a group of Korean War veterans before touring the center’s art gallery, which displays artwork created by Invictus athletes.

The Duchess received a painting, hand-knitted animals and a pearl necklace and matching earrings from some artists, while Prince Harry received a special plaque from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

REVIEW OF DAY ONE

    Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex with Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez and Yerney Pinillo © Eric Charbonneau

Welcome

The Duke and Duchess were warmly welcomed by Vice President Francia Marquez and her partner Yerney Pinillo as they exchanged gifts and enjoyed tea and coffee upon their arrival.

Ms Marquez asked the Sussexes to visit over a year ago after watching their Netflix documentary series and admitted she was “moved” by their story.

Harry and Meghan meet students at a local Colombian school

School attendance

Harry and Meghan spoke to students at Colegio Cultura Popular about the impact of social media during a discussion, with the Duchess later referring to it as “impressive, clever and accomplished.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their ongoing tour of Colombia© Nestor Gómez / El Tiempo

Art and Culture

At the National Arts Centre, Harry and Meghan were photographed dancing, clapping and tapping their feet as they watched various performances.

Harry and Meghan spoke at the Responsible Digital Future forum © Getty

Panel Digital Responsibility

The day concluded with a discussion on how to meet the need for responsible use of technology and the impact of the digital landscape, especially on young people.

Meghan said: “We should be role models for how our children should be raised and the world we raise them in. It doesn’t matter where you live. It doesn’t matter who you are. Either you or someone you know is a victim of what’s happening online. And that’s something we can actively work on every day to remedy.”

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