August 18th 2024.
Yesterday, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle had a unique opportunity to showcase their musical skills at the La Boquilla drum school in Cartagena. It was a part of their visit to Colombia, where they were invited to help change the negative perception of the country on a global scale. The vice president, Francia Marquez, believes that their presence will have a positive impact, especially considering the royal family's historic involvement in the slave trade.
This tour was independently organized by the couple and is similar to the tours undertaken by other working royals. They have been visiting different cities and experiencing local traditions, including their recent visit to San Basilio de Palenque. This town holds great significance as it was founded in the 17th century by escaped slaves, becoming the first "free town" in South America.
During their visit, Prince Harry and Meghan met with locals who greeted them with big smiles and handshakes. However, some were hoping for more than just a friendly exchange. Segundo Caceres Reyes, the president of the town's local police, expressed his desire for Prince Harry to apologize for the royal family's role in the slave trade. He believes that a symbolic statement from the royal family would help in the process of forgiveness and moving forward.
Elida Canarte Diaz, a hairdresser, also shared her thoughts with the paper, saying that an apology from Prince Harry would show that the royal family does not agree with the actions of their ancestors. She hopes that this gesture would bring closure to the painful past of her community. Currently, a research project is underway to investigate the royal family's connections to slavery, and Buckingham Palace is cooperating by providing access to the Royal Collection and the Royal Archives.
Senior royals, including King Charles and Prince William, have denounced the slave trade, but they have not issued a formal apology. Last year, the spotlight was once again on the royal family's ties to slavery when a previously unseen document revealed that King William III had received shares in the slave-trading Royal African Company in 1689. This document belonged to slave trader Edward Colston, whose statue was toppled during a Black Lives Matter demonstration in Bristol in 2020.
In his memoir "Spare," Prince Harry also touched on the issue of slavery, acknowledging that although the Crown benefits from tourism income, it also rests upon lands obtained and secured through unjust means, exploitation, and enslavement. Any involvement from the royal couple in addressing this issue in Colombia would undoubtedly cause tension within the royal family, who are still grappling with how to handle it. So far, there has been no public statement from the royal family regarding this matter.
During their visit to San Basilio, Meghan expressed her honor at being able to visit the town, and her husband, Prince Harry, described it as an incredibly moving experience. They explored the street market and attended a concert featuring local musicians. Vice President Marquez emphasized the importance of this visit in changing the global perception of Colombia. She wanted the couple to discover the essence of the country, including its spirituality, music, culture, and ancestral heritage, which is still very much alive today. Despite facing adversity, these elements have helped the people of San Basilio remain resilient.
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