Meghan Markle Sports a Vibrant Dress by Colombian Designer (Who's a Longtime Favorite!) During Visit Abroad

Mar. 15, 2025

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in Colombia on Aug. 15, 2024.Photo:Diego Cuevas/Getty

Diego Cuevas/Getty

Meghan MarkleandPrince Harry’s first day in Colombia came with an outfit change that highlighted a designer born in the country.

While the dress can be worn with statement ruffle sleeves or strapless, Meghan opted to sport it with spaghetti straps. She also let her hair down after wearing it in a slicked-back bun earlier in the day and accessorized with gold jewelry.

Meghan, 43, has worn the designer before, but it was an especially poignant choice given Ortiz’s Colombian heritage.According to her website, Ortiz was born in Cali, one of the cities that Meghan and Harry plan to visit during their trip abroad.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in Colombia on Aug. 15, 2024.RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP via Getty

RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP via Getty

“From a very young age, she always gravitated to the beauty and lushness of her native country,” her bio states. “The tropical jungles, evergreen mountain ranges and myriad palm trees danced in her dreams where her creativity was awoken. In an urgent need to express the richness of her view, she decided to use fashion as the canvas for her vision.”

After studying fashion design at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, New York and Paris, “Johanna returned to Colombia with a thirst for creating. So in 2003, she launched her eponymous label in her hometown of Cali,” her website says.

Ortiz continues to live in Cali with her husband and three sons.

Doria Ragland, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (wearing Johanna Ortiz) at the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards in May 2023.Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

She similarly wore Australian designers including Martin Grant during the couple’s royal tour Down Under in 2018.

At the National Centre for the Arts in Bogotá, Prince Harry and Meghan joined Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez in taking in an artistic performance. The couplestood up and clapped along during the event, which featured performers in elaborate costumes.

Prince Harry, 39, laughed as he shook hands with a performer dressed up as a jaguar and smiled for a selfie with another.

Prince Harry poses for a selfie in Colombia on Aug. 15, 2024.RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP via Getty

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex began their Colombia visit on Aug. 15 with an official greeting from Vice President Márquez and her husband, Rafael Yerney Pinillo, at their residence. There, they caught up over coffee, tea and traditional Colombian cheese bread and exchanged personal welcome gifts.

Meghan and Harry’snext stop was Colegio Cultura Popular, a local charter school in Bogotá. They participated in a session with students discussing the varying effects of social media and online use, and Meghan hailed the group as “impressive, smart and savvy.”

Prince Harry in Colombia on Aug. 15, 2024.RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP via Getty

Before leaving, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped outside to meet some of the teachers and students during their recess! The couple smiled for selfies with the excited pupils.

The pair will also visit Cartagena and Cali during their trip overseas.

From left: Francia Marquez, Meghan markle and Prince Harry in Colombia on Aug. 15, 2024.RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP via Getty

source: people.com