Harry and Meghan’s visit to Colombia: Vice President receives the couple

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have begun a four-day tour of Colombia by meeting the country’s vice president.

Francia Marquez welcomed Prince Harry and Meghan to her official residence on Thursday, having been inspired to invite the couple after watching a Netflix series about their lives.

The Sussexes, who have themselves faced attacks on social media, have not confirmed who is funding the trip – which is neither a state visit nor an official royal event.

But they enjoy full security, something they no longer enjoy in the UK after stepping down as senior royals in 2020.

Ms Marquez described the Sussexes’ trip as a “very special visit” aimed at building bridges, joining forces against cyberbullying and online digital violence, discrimination and promoting women’s leadership in Colombia.

Meghan and Ms Marquez were pictured kissing and giving each other a warm greeting, while the vice president held Harry’s hands as they were introduced.

Harry and Meghan also visited a school in Bogota and took part in a summit on creating a healthier digital landscape.

The California-based couple are expected to spend time in the Cartagena and Cali areas during their trip.

The tour, which in many ways resembles an official royal visit, is the Sussexes’ second this year, following their Three Days Tour to Nigeria in May.