Prince Harry and Meghan kicked off the third day of their quasi royal tour of Colombia with a visit to a Caribbean drumming school. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved from the capital Bogota to the coastal town of Cartagena with a usual heavy security detail. A police Black Hawk helicopter and a drone circled the sky above the venue while roads nearby were blocked off. As part of the the couple’s security a black police anti terrorist, nuclear, bio terror van and an ambulance were parked outside.
Harry and Meghan arrived more than an hour later than anticipated at the Tambores de Cabildo music school to meet students and staff as part of their cultural discovery of the South American country. Several of their escorts carried the now ever present ballistic briefcase – Kevlar bullet proof shields – which are part of the security detail.
The pair emerged from a Toyota Land Cruiser which was circled by police and soldiers before walking in to a barn style building for a drumming welcome. Set on the beach the venue was ringed by police and security but despite the event being common knowledge there were barely any onlookers.
Colombian marines patrol during security operations before the arrival of Harry and Meghan
Two women shouted out ‘Harry’ and he turned to wave to them before swiftly turning and walking inside. The temperate climate of Bogota was swapped for the humidity of the Caribbean as temperatures soared to 32c.
Dancing Duke and Duchess! Meghan busts out her best moves before Harry breaks into a shimmy. Harry wore a blue linen shirt, beige trousers and sunglasses while Meghan wore black and white shoulder less dress. Ahead of their arrival local media reported how Cartagena’s mayor DumekTurbay had not been invited to the event or to meet the royal couple.
He told W radio: ‘The vice president, Francia Márquez, did not invite me to any of the events, so I will watch on television the arrival of these illustrious figures to the city.  ‘I don’t think I’m in the vice president’s heart. They’re going to be in La Boquilla, if I’m not mistaken, what I understand is that they’re going to visit some of the foundations and organizations that work in La Boquilla; they’ll be in the city, I’m going to find a way to send her my details.
‘All distinguished guests who come to the city always take a gift from the government, on behalf of the people of Cartagena; I am looking for a way to send my gift through the Foreign Ministry. ‘I have not been invited, I have been exempted from the visit .’
           Harry is seen surrounded by security on day three of his visit to Columbia
Local reports said that 3,000 police were on duty for the visit to the city and a later trip the town of San Basilio de Pelanque around 90 minutes away. The anti colonial town was founded in the 17th century by freed African slaves and still maintains its cultural links to the continent through music, food and variation of Creole language.
Rhythmic drumming, accompanied by singing and clapping could be heard from inside the venue, while a breeze blew across the nearby beach. While the couple were outside some soldiers took shelter from the fierce sun under palm topped cabanas. After an hour inside the couple left without being seen after security teams purposely drove vehicles in front of the entrance to block off the view.
No media were allowed inside the event although footage and images were due to be released by the vice president’s office and the Sussex team later. After the opening performance, the Duke and Duchess and Vice President Marquesa listened to local community members that included children, teenagers, parents, and elders, about the importance of preserving the culture of Cartagena, and specifically it’s Afro-Colombian roots. Cartagena is an area specifically being impacted by gentrification and a booming tourism industry.
The Duke and Duchess were also gifted a small handcrafted wooden boat from a student. The Sussexes along with Ms Marquez and her husband participated in a drum lesson led by the students, followed by a performance from some of the locals which brought all the VIPs to their feet. School director Rafael Ramos was ecstatic to see the duchess’s reaction to the performances and said: ‘I love seeing Meghan’s big, big smile — I can tell she’s excited!’
Following the performance, Ms Marquez gave an impassioned speech about the inherent importance of tradition when it comes to preserving Colombian heritage. Speaking to the crowd, which included members of her own family who she brought along for the day, she expressed that towns like Cartegena represent the heart of Colombian culture and how the art of drumming in particular symbolizes freedom for Black communities around the world.
She also acknowledged that part of her decision to invite the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Colombia was because she views them as a joint symbol of resistance and two vital 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, ‘ said Vice President Marquez. ‘A community like this cannot be displaced.’
It comes after Prince Harry danced as he met with children during the second day of his trip to Colombia – a day after Meghan was filmed enthusiastically dancing while attending a special cultural event. The Duke and Duchess were welcomed by Colombia’s vice-president and her husband after arriving in the country on Thursday for the start of a four-day tour.
That evening, the couple attended an engagement at the Centro Nacional de las Artes Delia Zapata Olivella (CNA), highlighting the artistry of Bogotá. After being greeted by Minister of Culture Juan David Correa, and the Director of CNA Xiomara Suescún, they were treated to theatre, music and dance performances. A video showing Meghan busting taking part in a dance session with locals went viral.
