Prince Harry And Meghan Markle were greeted with gifts when they took the time to visit the Invictus athletes during their blitz tour of Colombia.
The Duke, 39, and Duchess of Sussex, 43, received gifts after visiting the Centro de Rehabilitación Inclusiva in Bogota on Friday, August 16.
The athletes of the Colombian team were training for the Invictus Games, a sporting event for wounded, injured or sick returning veterans. The famous couple were on hand to watch a training session on the second day of their tour of the country.
In addition to athletes, local military officials and Vice President Francia Márquez and her partner Rafael Yerney Pinillo were also present.
During the visit, Markle was gifted a painting, hand-knitted animals and matching pearl earrings and a necklace by local artists. Meanwhile, the Department of Veterans Affairs presented Prince Harry with a plaque in recognition of his continued strong support of the Invictus Games.
The Prince has been patron of the multi-sport event since its launch in March 2014.
“For Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex,” read one sportsman as he presented the Duke with the gift. “In recognition and gratitude for your dedication and the invaluable recovery opportunities provided through sport and the Invictus Games to wounded, injured and sick Colombian Armed Forces and Police officers, active service or veterans.”
In addition to watching the Colombian athletes train, the Sussexes also toured the facilities, which included a swimming pool, a climbing wall in the gym and a rehabilitation room.
Prince Harry and Markle spoke with many of the athletes, including a group of Korean War veterans, about everything from their favorite workouts to the methods they use to stay strong. At one point, the prince even joined in on a volleyball game while Markle cheered on from the sidelines.
“It’s amazing to see how many people can come together to form a team,” said Prince Harry, while Markle was equally impressed, adding: “It’s so incredible to watch them all.”
The visit comes after the Sussexes were welcomed to the country by Márquez and Pinillo at the Vice President’s residence on Thursday, August 15.
The couple enjoyed coffee, tea and traditional pan de bono (Colombian cheese bread) at the vice president’s residence before exchanging gifts with Márquez and Pinillo.
A reporter present at the meeting said We weekly Márquez expressed her gratitude for the couple’s official visit and “shared that she feels she and the Sussexes share the same ideals and goals when it comes to working towards a better, safer digital future and better mental health for our children and the world.”