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

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex toured a school preserving the art form of traditional African drumming

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are 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, 39, and Meghan, 43, were welcomed to the hub with the sounds of booming drums and were greeted by school founder Rafael Ramos. Following an opening performance, they heard from members of the local community of all ages about the importance of preserving Cartagena’s culture, specifically its Afro-Colombian roots.

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.

Prince Harry and Meghan then joined a student-led drum lesson with Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez and her husband, Rafael Yerney Pinillo. The jam session was followed by a performance from some of the locals, which brought Meghan and Márquez to their feet.

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.”