During their recent visit to Cali, Colombia, Meghan Markle made headlines not just for her sartorial choices but for a significant moment at a women’s empowerment forum. As she took the stage at the Municipal Theatre on August 18, Meghan removed her earpiece and delivered part of her speech in Spanish, a gesture that resonated deeply with the local audience.
Fluent in Spanish from her time studying abroad and interning in Argentina, Meghan expressed “deep appreciation for the Colombian hospitality” in the local language. She praised the country’s rich culture and history, calling the visit “a dream” and noting the strong sense of community she felt. The crowd responded warmly, especially when Meghan lightened the mood by miming wiping sweat from her forehead, drawing laughter and applause.
While her language skills were undoubtedly impressive, Meghan also revisited a familiar story during the forum—one that has sparked controversy in recent years. Reflecting on her childhood, Meghan once again recounted how, at age 11, she wrote a letter to Procter & Gamble that led to the company changing a commercial’s language to be less sexist. She described the experience as formative, saying it made her feel “very, very fortunate at a young age to feel as though my voice was being heard.”
However, the validity of this story has been called into question by some critics, who suggest that Meghan may be embellishing her role in the incident. Despite these raised eyebrows, Meghan continues to present this narrative as a cornerstone of her advocacy for women’s rights, using it to emphasize the importance of young girls having their voices heard.
