'Incredibly Moving Experience': Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Celebrate Afro-Colombian Culture

Meghan MarkleandPrince Harryvisited a historic village as they continued their tour of Colombia.

On Aug. 17, the couple visited San Basilio de Palenque outside Cartagena, which was established as the first free African town in the Americas in 1619.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were greeted with a performance of the Colombian national anthem by students before taking in speeches and performances from Palenque’s community leaders. They also explored a vibrant street market during their walk through the town.

Vice President Francia Màrquez gave a speech thanking the couple for accepting her invitation to the country. "I wanted them to come here and discover the essence of who we are — our spirituality, our music, our culture and our ancestral heritage that is still very much alive today," she said. "In the midst of adversity, this is what has helped us continue to be resilient. Palenque is in the heart of every Afro-Colombian."

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also addressed the group, greeting everyone both in Spanish and in the town’s indigenous language of Palenquero. Meghan, 43, expressed she was "so honored" to visit San Basilio de Palenque, noting the community’s “incredible history," while Harry, 39, described it as an "incredibly moving experience."

Manuel Perez Salinas, a tour guide who showed Harry and Meghan around San Basilio de Palenque, told The Tel -

Alexander Payne Dishes on ‘Election’ Seq,...

egraph that he talked with them about their cultural identity and showed them a statue of the town's founder,Benkos Bioho. He praised the couple for "breaking protocol" with their choice to tour the town.

Another tour guide, Juan Manuel Márquez Padilla, told The Telegraph that when he shared their desire for "racial discrimination to end" with the couple, Harry replied, "We’re working on that."

“I liked them because they're working for human rights," he said, according to the outlet.

However, some residents, known as Palenqueros, hoped the couple would address the British crown’s role in the colonial slave trade during the visit.

Hairdresser Elida Canarte Diaz told The Telegraph, "His ancestors made our ancestors go through terrible times, and he can make good faith and repent to show that they don't agree with what happened before."

Can't get enough ofPEOPLE's Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

According to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's website, the visit "underscored their commitment to uplifting communities."

"The couple’s visit to San Basilio de Palenque not only celebrated its heritage but also reaffirmed the power of community spirit and connection," they added.

Related Articles

Follow Us

 ! New Kids on the Block Announce Their ,...