Meghan Markle’s fashion sparked controversy, with critics accusing her of “dressing inappropriately” and crossing cultural lines during her South America visit.
Meghan Markle recently faced online backlash after wearing a pricey mauve-pink dress with a low-cut neckline and high slit during her visit to the Centro Nacional de las Artes Delia Zapata, also known as the National Centre for the Arts, in Bogotá, Colombia, on August 15.
A netizen’s comment on Meghan Markle’s outfit in Bogotá, Colombia, posted in August 2024 | Source: Facebook.com/DailyMail
Meghan, who was also spotted wearing minimal jewelry and brown heels, attended the event with Prince Harry, who wore a beige suit with a light blue shirt and light brown shoes.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are all smiles in Bogotá, Colombia, on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry applaud at the Centro Nacional de las Artes Delia Zapata in Bogotá on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The couple’s visit to the centre also included Colombia’s Vice President, Francia Márquez who was dressed in an elegant white ensemble, and the centre’s director, Xiomara Suescun, in a printed top, green pants, and white boots.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry talk as they are seated beside Colombia’s Vice President Francia Márquez, and National Centre for the Arts director, Xiomara Suescun in Bogotá on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Photos of Meghan’s $2,150 Johanna Ortiz dress, featuring maroon and gold embroidery, sparked online discussions. One user wrote, “Still dressing inappropriately. Showing to much skin. The Narasist still thinking the victim. Along with the husband who acts like a child [sic].”
Meghan Markle talks with Colombia’s Vice President, Francia Márquez, while Prince Harry shakes hands with a man wearing a traditional outfit at the Centro Nacional de las Artes Delia Zapata in Bogotá on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Another commented on the 43-year-old Duchess’s outfit, “It’s really all about a fashion show. Nothing more🤣🤣.” Others questioned the price, “She could have bought the same thing for 50 bucks at Walmart!”
A netizen’s remark on Meghan Markle’s outfit in Bogotá, Colombia, posted in August 2024 | Source: Facebook.com/DailyMail
Some found the dress unsuitable for the event. One remarked, “Lovely dress. Not suited for the occasion- again. Her clothes are on repeat… same styles different day. She has about 4 outfits she selects and varies [sic].”
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry smile with the mascots at the Centro Nacional de las Artes Delia Zapata in Bogotá on August 15, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Another user added, “Nice dress but definitely not flattering on her.” Someone else questioned Meghan’s respect for local customs in Colombia, “She does not dress like a royal….or respect the country’s traditions.”
Colombia’s Culture Minister Juan David Correa, Yerney Pinillo, Vice President Francia Márquez, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry at the Centro Nacional de las Artes Delia Zapata in Bogotá on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Another commented, “Always a thigh high slit for school children. Not very Royal [sic].” Despite the criticism, there were also supportive voices for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry greet students at the Centro Nacional de las Artes Delia Zapata in Bogotá on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry talks to the tudents at the National Centre for the Arts in Bogotá on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
“They look great. Glad they’re still out there reaching out and doing charity,” one fan wrote. Another praised the couple, “They are simply beautiful to look at and it’s so great seeing them on the ground for their work 👏❤️👏.”
Meghan Markle smiles while Prince Harry looks on during their trip to Bogotá, Colombia, on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
A fan even remarked on Meghan’s radiant appearance, “What an absolutely beautiful couple! How is Meghan not aging?! She looks the same as she did in Suits [sic]!!”
Meghan Markle at the “Suits” Season Five premiere in Los Angeles on January 21, 2016. | Source: Getty Images
Earlier in the day, Meghan and Harry had visited a local charter school, Colegio Cultura Popular, dressed in business casual attire. She wore a navy vest and matching trousers, while her husband opted for a dark blue suit.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arrive at Colegio Cultura Popular in Bogotá, Colombia on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
At Colegio Cultura Popular, Harry and Meghan were warmly welcomed by student Jose David and headmaster Leonel Umaña Parra. The Duke and Duchess were also joined by Márquez.
Jose David, Prince Harry, Leonel Umaña Parra, Meghan Markle, and Colombia’s Vice President Francia Márquez visit Colegio Cultura Popular in Bogotá on August 15, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Inside, the Sussex couple participated in an insight session where students discussed their experiences with social media and technology, sharing how these tools impact their lives both positively and negatively.
Colombia’s Vice President Francia Márquez, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Marquez’s husband Yerney Pinillo engage in a discussion with students at Colegio Cultura Popular in Bogotá on August 15, 2024
Meghan praised the students as “impressive, smart, and savvy,” and emphasized the importance of being “self-reliant and not tech-reliant.”
Meghan Markle speaks at Colegio Cultura Popular alongside Colombia’s Vice President Francia Márquez, Prince Harry, and two students, posted on August 16, 2024. | Source: YouTube/TheTimes
Meghan Markle shakes hands with a student at Colegio Cultura Popular in Bogotá on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
After the session, the duke and duchess joined students for recess, meeting more students and teachers who were thrilled to see them. The visit concluded with a group photo before the couple left for the arts center.
In the coming days, the couple will continue their engagements in the country. Their plans include more school visits, an Invictus Games training session, and participation in the Responsible Digital Future conference focused on internet safety. They will also explore local art, food, and history, guided by Márquez.
Colombia’s Vice President Francia Márquez during the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Colombia, in Bogotá on October 3, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Meghan’s recent outfits in Bogotá—such as the expensive high-slit mauve-pink dress—sparked debate. Despite mixed reactions, she and Prince Harry’s commitment to their charitable work in Colombia remains steadfast. Their focus on meaningful engagements continues to outweigh the focus on fashion. controversies.
