Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Feel the Beat at Colombian Drum School: 'I Can Tell She's Excited,' Says Founder

Mar. 15, 2025

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit a drum school in Cartagena, Colombia, on Aug. 17, 2024.Photo:VICE PRESIDENCY OF COLOMBIA/HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstoc

VICE PRESIDENCY OF COLOMBIA/HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstoc

Meghan MarkleandPrince Harryare exploring a new city in Colombia as their international trip continues.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived in Cartagena on Aug. 17, the latest leg of their visit to the South American country. There, the couple visited Escuela Tambores de Cabildo, a local drum school working to preserve the art form of traditional African drumming.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit Colombia on Aug. 17, 2024.Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty

Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty

As a gift, one student gave the Duke and Duchess of Sussex a small wooden boat, a tribute to the coastal city and its beaches.

Commenting on the Duchess of Sussex’s reactions to the performances, Ramos said in Spanish, “I love seeing Meghan’s big, big smile. I can tell she’s excited!”

After the performances, Márquez gave a passionate speech about the importance of tradition in preserving Colombian heritage. The vice president touched on how cities like Cartagena epitomize Colombian culture, and how the art form of drumming in particular is a symbol of freedom for Black communities around the world.

Márquez also said that part of her inspiration to invite Prince Harry and Meghan to Colombia was because she views them as key voices against injustice.

“The Duke and Duchess came to Colombia… this is Colombia. This is where the roots of our ancestors and our forefathers are from,” the vice president told the crowd that included members of her own family, who she brought along for the events. “A community like this cannot be displaced.”

The stop marked the third school that Prince Harry and Meghan have visited during their Colombia trip. On Aug. 16, they discussed the positive and negative effects of social media with students at a charter school in Bogotá beforestepping outside for recess, and the following day, the pair practiced their Spanish-speaking skills whilevisiting a kindergarten classin Santa Fe. Harry asked students their names and ages in the language, and Meghan brought up their 5-year-old son,Prince Archie, telling one student in Spanish: “You’re the same age as my son, Archie!”

Later in the day, Prince Harry and Meghan visited a village with deep African historical significance, emphasizing their commitment to uplifting communities, akey pillarof their Archewell Foundation.

Cartagena is a northern port city on the country’s Caribbean coast and the capital of the Bolívar department. It is one of the oldest colonial cities in South America, perNational Geographic, and its walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The hub in the Caribbean Region is home to just over 1 million people, according toStatista, and the Republic of Colombia’sofficial tourism sitebills it as “a jewel of world heritage.”

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry walk in San Basilio de Palenque during their visit to Cartagena, Colombia, on Aug. 17, 2024.Vizzor Image/Getty

Vizzor Image/Getty

Márquezannouncedon Aug. 1 that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex “have kindly accepted my invitation to visit our beautiful country,” with stops planned for Bogotá, Cartagena and Cali.

“In these vibrant locations, they will have the exceptional opportunity to engage with leaders, youth, and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians committed to progress. In addition to these meaningful interactions, The Duke and Duchess will experience the rich heritage of Colombia,” the vice president said in part, noting that they would visit before a key meeting.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Bogota, Colombia, on Aug. 16, 2024.Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty

On Nov. 7 and 8, the Colombian government and other partners will host the inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Bogota. The upcoming summit’s aims to create safer online spaces connects to a key pillar of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Archewell Foundation, Building a Better Online World.

Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Prince Harry and Meghan’s official international trip to Colombia follows theirthree-day trip to Nigeriain May.

“There’s only so much one can do from home and over Zoom, so we look forward to traveling more because the work matters. Whether it’s the Archewell Foundation, Invictus or any of our other causes, there will always be reasons to meet the people at the heart of our work,” Prince Harry said.

source: people.com