Prince Harry and Meghan are in Colombia for their four-day tour which is making everyone happy – the people who love them are happy to see them and the haters get more content to pick apart. That also includes the British tabloids who’ve been obsessing about the budget for the trip and the Sussexes’ security costs and the fact that this is not a royal tour even though it looks like a royal tour but it can’t be a royal tour, officially, because they’re no longer working members of the British royal family, a point that’s been repeated over and over again like we’ve never heard it before. 

 

The purpose of a royal tour is to be royal and consolidate support of the royal family in the various places they’re visiting by supporting local causes and organisations. That objective, however, is no longer an official responsibility for Harry and Meghan. So when they do go on tour, their challenge is to clearly define the purpose of the trip. We saw this when they went to Nigeria earlier this year – they were there as ambassadors of the Invictus Games, engaging with veterans and encouraging discussions about mental health. That was clearly communicated before their arrival. 

It was less clear ahead of their visit to Colombia for those who aren’t studying the Sussexes all the time. Sarah and I were just talking about this last night when she was deciding on the editorial for today’s site and how we would cover H&M today. This is why it was so important for them to get to the point as soon as they hit the ground to make sure everyone understands why they’re there – and today’s headlines seem to have achieved that: digital safety, protecting children from online trauma, awareness of misinformation and disinformation, social media hygiene. All of these are causes associated with the couple as Harry has increasingly made this a priority and Meghan, of course, has had her own well-documented experience with online bullying which continues today. 

 

It's also been revealed by Colombia’s Vice President, Francia Márquez, that she started thinking about bringing them to the country after watching their Netflix docuseries. Via PEOPLE: 

"How did I get to know Meghan and Harry? I first encountered them through the media, and I particularly watched the Netflix series about their lives and their story, which deeply moved me," Márquez said. "It motivated me to say, 'This is a woman who deserves to visit our country and share her story,' and undoubtedly, her visit will strengthen so many women around the world."

 

H&M were warmly received by Madam VP Márquez on their first day, she and Meghan seemed to be vibing, and you can see in the video below that they got down a bit together with the kids: 

 

There was also a summit on digital awareness and responsibility with Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa. 

 

And, of course, the Sussexes brought their usual presentation of togetherness – handholding, casual PDA, intimacy. After eight years (!), marriage, living in three countries, two movies, and two children, this has remained consistent. Kinda like …her style? 

You know what they say about fame and when it arrives and how it can arrest a person mentally? That’s typically a conversation about child stardom but I can apply it to personal style, too. Meghan hasn’t really evolved her personal style much since 2016. So I was surprised by this Veronica Beard suit, it’s one of the best things she’s ever worn that feels both fresh and familiar. Familiar because, yes, this has been one of her go-to designers and she loves a halter. But fresh because that waistcoat length feels new, and the detailing is just so sharp and precise where Meghan is known most for a softer finish. There’s not a crease in sight. 

 

The Johanna Ortiz dress is wonderful, too, and also a designer that’s she has worn consistently – and a cut that she’s worn consistently. But this piece, to me, is the standout. The pink tone is gorgeous on her, and her face… the face card is givingggggg. 

 

Join us at The Squawk today to chat about Meghan and Harry. (app link here)