The recent visit of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Colombia, intended to be a celebration of cultural exchange and empowerment, was overshadowed by an incident involving Meghan Markle and the Colombian Vice President, Francia Márquez. The incident, which unfolded during a forum on Afro-women empowerment, has sparked controversy and raised questions about Meghan’s social awareness and judgment.

The incident began with a seemingly innocuous greeting between Meghan and Raphael Yi, the husband of Vice President Márquez. Known for her warm and outgoing personality, Meghan greeted Yi with a kiss on the cheek, followed by a backrub. While this gesture might be considered friendly in some social circles, it was perceived as overly familiar and inappropriate in this formal setting, especially considering the political context.

Vice President Márquez, who was initially standing nearby, reacted swiftly, moving to position herself between Meghan and her husband, seemingly protective of her territory. Her reaction was captured on video, showing her visibly upset and ready to confront Meghan. The tension was palpable, and the atmosphere shifted from one of celebration to one of awkwardness and discomfort.

Harry, sensing the escalating tension, intervened, pulling Meghan away before the situation could escalate further. While the incident was brief, it quickly went viral, with many online commentators criticizing Meghan’s behavior and pointing to her past interactions with other men, including Serena Williams’ husband and even Prince William.

The incident has fueled existing narratives about Meghan’s personality, her social awareness, and her ability to navigate complex social situations.

The incident has also sparked discussions about cultural differences and the expectations of behavior in different societies. While the gesture might be considered friendly in some cultures, it was clearly perceived as inappropriate in this context, highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity and awareness in international diplomacy.

The incident has raised questions about Meghan’s judgment and her understanding of appropriate social etiquette, particularly in a diplomatic setting. It remains to be seen how this incident will impact the Sussexes’ future engagements and their relationship with the Colombian government. Some have suggested that the incident could damage the Sussexes’ reputation and their efforts to promote social justice and equality.

The incident also highlights the challenges of navigating the complexities of international diplomacy, where cultural differences and social expectations can easily lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly innocuous gestures can have significant consequences in a globalized world.