Meghan, Harry visit music school during Colombia tour

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry have visited a music school during their tour of Colombia.

Meghan and Harry were greeted by the sound of booming drums as they arrived at the Escuela Tambores de Cabildo in Cartagena, the second largest city in the Caribbean coastal region, on the third day of their tour of the South American nation.

During the visit on Saturday, they participated in a drum lesson led by students alongside Colombia's vice president Francia Marquez and her husband.

The couple applauded a performance by local drummers and listened to community members, including children, teenagers and parents, speak about the importance of preserving Cartagena's culture - particularly its Afro-Colombian roots.

The school's founder, Rafael Ramos, said in Spanish: "I love seeing Meghan's big, big smile - I can tell she's excited."

Marquez gave a speech about the importance of tradition and preserving Colombian heritage, saying towns such as Cartagena represent the heart of the South American country.

She said the art of drumming symbolises freedom for black communities across the world.

Marquez said part of her decision to invite Meghan and Harry to Colombia was she viewed them as a symbol of resistance and 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.

"A community like this cannot be displaced."