Royal couple celebrate the life of Bob Marley

Royal couple celebrate Marley life

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have celebrated the life and music of Jamaica's most famous son - Bob Marley.

Charles and Camilla joined the star's widow Rita Marley at a mini concert staged in the grounds of the musician's former home turned museum in Kingston.

The singer, guitarist and activist's phenomenal success made reggae music popular across the globe and brought international attention to the Caribbean island of Jamaica.

The royal couple, who are touring the Caribbean, were greeted by Mrs Marley under a statue of the star in the grounds of the museum opened in May 1986.

Charles and Camilla looked relaxed as they chatted to the musician's wife, who married the star in 1966 and became part of his famous backing singers, the I Threes.

A choir of youngsters sang songs made famous by Marley while a drum player beat out hypnotic rhythms before the group went into the museum which also served as the headquarters of the reggae star's label Tuff Gong.

The house was filled with memorabilia, artefacts and mementoes of Marley's life and music from gold and platinum discs to his bed and hammock.

The Prince and Duchess are said to be fans of the reggae star's hits which include classic songs like No Woman No Cry, Jamming, Buffalo Soldier and One Love - People Get Ready.

His posthumous compilation album released in 1984 is the best-selling reggae LP ever with sales of more than 12 million copies.

During the tour, the royal couple walked through the grounds of the house and stopped to watch a performance by Nyahbingi drummers - a group of Rastafarian musicians. Charles and Camilla were invited to sit down and began playing bongo drums with a group of musicians.

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