In the latest episode of the ever-dramatic Sussex saga, Meghan Markle managed to stir up controversy during a visit to Colombia. What was intended to be a diplomatic engagement swiftly devolved into a diplomatic blunder when Meghan’s interactions with the Colombian Vice President’s husband, Raphael Yañez, took an awkward turn.
The Sussexes arrived in Bogotá with a packed schedule, including attending a forum on Afro women empowerment and participating in a traditional music festival. However, their visit was marred by a seemingly innocuous gesture that sparked considerable drama. Meghan greeted Raphael Yañez with an affectionate kiss on the cheek—a customary but intimate gesture in some cultures. This seemingly benign act, however, did not go over well with Vice President Francia Márquez.
Footage from the event captured Vice President Márquez’s visible irritation as she observed Meghan’s overly familiar greeting with her husband. Márquez’s reaction suggested that she was on the verge of confronting Meghan, who appeared to have crossed a line of propriety. The situation escalated when Meghan not only greeted Raphael with a kiss but also went in for a full-body hug and a backrub, as if they were old friends or romantic partners rather than a political figure’s spouse.
Márquez, sensing the growing tension, quickly positioned herself between Meghan and her husband, adopting a protective stance. Harry, ever perceptive to such situations, intervened by pulling Meghan away, averting a potential confrontation. The internet quickly took note, with many commentators pointing out Meghan’s tendency to become too familiar with other people’s spouses. This behavior, reminiscent of past incidents involving Serena Williams’s husband and even Prince William, seemed to follow a troubling pattern.
The Vice President’s reaction was dramatic, almost as if she were about to step into a boxing ring to defend her territory. Meghan, on the other hand, appeared oblivious to the brewing tension, seemingly ignoring Márquez in favor of continuing her attention towards Raphael.
The aftermath of the incident has sparked a flurry of commentary and criticism, with questions raised about Meghan’s appropriateness in such settings. This behavior has inevitably led to speculation about whether the Vice President might have second thoughts about extending the invitation.
Given Meghan’s history of controversial interactions with men in the public eye, this incident has only added fuel to the fire. The Marquez household’s likely post-event discussion about the incident may have been quite heated. Thankfully, Harry’s timely intervention prevented a complete fiasco, but the incident highlights ongoing challenges in Meghan and Harry’s public appearances. The latest episode in their ongoing saga underscores the difficulties they face in managing their public image while navigating complex cultural norms and diplomatic decorum.
