Royal Rhythm: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Get into the Beat in Colombia

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were in high spirits on the third day of their visit to Colombia, immersing themselves in the country’s rich cultural heritage.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived in Cartagena, accompanied by Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez. They visited the Escuela Tambores de Cabildo, a local drum school that preserves traditional African drumming. Meghan wore a stylish black striped maxi dress, while Harry opted for a bright blue button-down shirt.

The royal couple was welcomed with a lively performance by the students, followed by a discussion with local community members about the importance of preserving Cartagena’s Afro-Colombian roots amidst gentrification and tourism.

Meghan and Harry then joined a drum lesson, where they attempted to play the instruments with big smiles on their faces. The drum school’s founder, Rafael Ramos, was thrilled to see Meghan’s enthusiasm, saying, “I love seeing Meghan’s big, big smile — I can tell she’s excited!”

Vice President Márquez gave an impassioned speech about the importance of tradition, emphasizing that Cartagena represents the heart of Colombian culture and that drumming symbolizes freedom for Black communities worldwide.

The royal couple also visited San Basilio de Palenque, the first free African town in the Americas, established in 1619. They listened to speeches and performances from community leaders about preserving Palenque culture and historical grounds.

Before leaving Cartagena, Meghan and Harry were gifted a handcrafted wooden boat from a drumming student, a tribute to the coastal town.

Vice President Márquez expressed her gratitude to the Sussexes for visiting Colombia, saying, “I wanted them to come here and discover the essence of who we are — our spirituality, our music, our culture, and our ancestral heritage that is still very much alive today.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex spoke in Spanish, starting with a traditional greeting in the indigenous language of Palenquero and finishing in Spanish. They then took a stroll through town, where locals cheered and children danced, and explored a street market before a lively concert featuring local musicians.

Meghan said she was “so honored” to be invited to visit San Basilio de Palenque and referenced the community’s “incredible history,” while Harry described the visit as an “incredibly moving experience.”