Prince Charles, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos
Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos and Britain's Prince Charles laugh during a ceremony at the presidential palace in Bogota October 29, 2014. Reuters

Chancellor María Ángela Holguín, as well as British ambassador, Lindsay Croisdale-Appleby and his wife Barbara at a military airport in the Colombian capital, Bogota, greeted Prince Charles and wife Camilla Parker Bowles. This is the first time the royals visit the Latin American country while the country starts a process to make peace with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, to put an end to 50 years of confrontations. Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall’s first engagement was a reception at the ambassador’s residence, where they met with Colombian leaders and British community members.

The royal couple was looking forward to this visit, following an invitation from President Juan Manuel Santos, who’s looking to strengthen relations between the UK and the Colombia, as the country emerges from years of violent civil conflict. The ambassador stated the fact that there is an improved security situation, and threats from armed guerrilla groups and drug cartels has decreased, made the visit possible.

The prince and duchess' deputy private secretary Simon Martin spoke about their agenda: "The program will highlight and promote the partnership that already exists between Britain and both Colombia and Mexico in areas including sustainability and combating climate change, expanding trade and investment, creating opportunities for young people, responsible business, historical and cultural links and supporting victims of domestic and sexual violence.”

Prince Charles’ last visit to Colombia was in 1974 as a naval officer, which is possibly why their official visit will end with a a sunset ceremony on board HMS Argyll, in Cratagena, where the Prince of Wales will take part in the ceremony as the as the Admiral of the Fleet. After this, the royal couple is set to travel to Mexico during the weekend and spend four days there.

© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.