Prince Harry and Meghan started the third day of their quasi-royal tour of Colombia with a visit to a drumming school in the Caribbean.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved from the capital Bogota to the coastal city of Cartagena, amid the usual heavy security.
A Black Hawk police helicopter and drone circled above the scene as roads in the area were closed.
As part of the couple’s security, a black anti-terrorist, nuclear and biological police van and an ambulance were stationed outside the door.
Harry and Meghan arrived at the Tambores de Cabildo music school more than an hour later than expected to meet students and staff as part of their cultural discovery tour of the South American country.
Several of their escorts carried the now ubiquitous Kevlar bulletproof case that is part of the security system.
The pair got out of a Toyota Land Cruiser, which was surrounded by police and soldiers, and then walked into a barn building, where they were greeted with drums.
The location was on the beach and was cordoned off by police and security. Although the event was well known, there were hardly any spectators.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on the third day of their visit to Colombia, where they visit a Caribbean drumming school
Meghan shakes hands during a visit to a local music school in Columbia
Harry wore a blue linen shirt, beige trousers and sunglasses on the third day of the visit
The venue, which was on the beach, was surrounded by police and security as Harry and Meghan walked
The couple arrives at the Tambores de Cabildo music school more than an hour later than expected (photo)
Two women shouted, “Harry,” and he turned to wave at them, then quickly turned and walked inside.
The temperate climate of Bogota was exchanged for the humidity of the Caribbean, where temperatures rose to 32 degrees Celsius.
Harry wore a blue linen shirt, beige trousers and sunglasses, while Meghan wore a black and white off-the-shoulder dress.
Prior to their arrival, local media reported that Cartagena Mayor Dumek Turbay had not been invited to the event or to meet the royal couple.
He told W radio: ‘The vice president, Francia Márquez, has not invited me to any of the events, so I will follow on television the arrival of these illustrious figures in the city.
“I don’t think I’m in the vice president’s heart. They’re going to La Boquilla, if I’m not mistaken, what I understand is that they’re going to visit some foundations and organizations that work in La Boquilla; they’re going to be in town, I’m going to find a way to send her my information.
‘All distinguished guests who come to the city always bring a gift from the government, on behalf of the people of Cartagena. I am looking for a way to send my gift through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
‘I am not invited, I am exempt from the visit.’
Harry and Meghan on the third day of their visit to Columbia, where they visit a Caribbean drumming school
Meghan shakes hands during a visit to a local music school in Columbia
The couple smile as they enter the Caribbean drum school on the third day of their visit to Colombia
Third day of Harry and Meghan’s visit to Colombia, hosted by Vice President Francia Márquez
Meghan was filmed dancing enthusiastically with locals during an engagement on Thursday night
The next day, Prince Harry was spotted performing a shimmy during an engagement in Bogota
The prince bent his knees as he swayed his hips and rolled his arms and shoulders during his improvised dance
According to local reports, 3,000 police officers were present at the visit to the city and a later visit to the town of San Basilio de Pelanque, about 90 minutes away.
Founded in the 17th century by freed African slaves, this anti-colonial city still maintains its cultural ties to the continent through music, food and variations of the Creole language.
Rhythmic drumming could be heard from the audience, accompanied by singing and clapping, while a breeze blew across the nearby beach.
While the couple was outside, several soldiers sought shelter from the bright sun under palm-lined cabanas.
After being inside for an hour, the couple left unnoticed after security teams deliberately drove vehicles in front of the entrance to block the view.
No press was allowed at the event, although the vice president’s office and the Sussex team would later release footage and photos.
This came after Prince Harry danced during a meeting with children on the second day of his trip to Colombia. It was a day after Meghan was filmed dancing enthusiastically at a special cultural event.
The Duke and Duchess were welcomed by Colombia’s Vice President and her husband on Thursday after arriving in the country for the start of a four-day tour.
That evening, the couple attended an engagement ceremony at the Centro Nacional de las Artes Delia Zapata Olivella (CNA), which highlighted Bogotá’s artistry.
After being greeted by Culture Minister Juan David Correa and CNA Director Xiomara Suescún, they were treated to theater, music and dance performances. A video of Meghan Busting participating in a dance session with locals went viral.