THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF SUSSEX

HIT THE RIGHT NOTE IN COLOMBIA AS MEGHAN OPENS UP ABOUT BEING A MUM

- ROSALIND POWELL

In a whirlwind of performances and speeches, dances and dinners, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex immersed themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Colombia during their four-day trip to the South American country last week.

They even joined in, putting their rhythm skills to the test as they tried their hand at drumming in Cartagena, Colombia’s second city, on their third day.

The couple were greeted with booming sounds as they arrived at the local drum school, Escuela Tambores de Cabildo, which preserves the art form of traditional African drumming. And after a rousing performance, they were invited by students to take part.

THRILLING TRIP

“I love seeing Meghan’s big, big smile; I can tell she’s excited,” said school founder Rafael Ramos of the Duchess, who wore a traditional print top and skirt by Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz – one of her favourites – for the outing, while Harry donned a blue linen shirt, beige chinos and sunglasses.

The working visit had been organised as part of the Duke and Duchess’s mission to improve online safety for children, and as such, their own son and daughter – five-year-old Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, three – were never far from their thoughts.

In fact, Meghan shared a rare insight into the couple’s family life and her role as a mother on the final day of their tour, when she also displayed her Spanish-speaking skills.

Along with Vice-President Francia Márquez, who arranged the visit, Meghan took part in a panel discussion in Cali focusing on AfroColombian women and power, in which she highlighted how her role as a parent was closely intertwined with her advocacy work.