Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attended the premiere of “Bob Marley: One Love” in Kingston, Jamaica, where they were photographed with Prime Minister Andrew Holness. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex faced significant criticism for this visit, given Jamaica’s aspirations “to disassociate” from the British monarchy.
Critics deemed it tactless as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shared photo opportunities with Holness, a proponent of Jamaica’s separation from the monarchy, all while King Charles underwent prostate surgery and Kate was recuperating from abdominal surgery.
The Jamaican Prime Minister had previously conveyed the nation’s desire to transition into a republic during Prince William and Kate Middleton’s visit in March 2022.
The couple’s presence stirred controversy, particularly as Jamaica progressed with plans to sever ties with the British monarchy through a planned referendum. Despite Harry’s non-working status within the Royal Family, his continued use of the Prince title in such contexts attracted attention.
The visit coincided with a broader regional trend, with Barbados having already abandoned the monarchy in 2021, and other Caribbean nations expressing interest in following suit.
The presence of the couple at the movie premiere caused bewilderment, considering the “delicate timing” and the shifting “political climate” in the region.
Despite Harry and Meghan privately supporting, albeit not public, Kate Middleton and King Charles III during their health challenges, the Sussexes’ unexpected appearance in Jamaica sparked a torrent of criticism, labeling them as “insensitive.”
As highlighted by a columnist for the Daily Mail Sarah Vine, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, through their actions, inadvertently fueled anti-monarchist sentiments both within the Commonwealth and globally.
According to Sarah, King Charles should grant them what they, according to their own words, desire, and release them from royal duties, definitively stripping them of all titles.