Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are facing criticism from royalists for their “insensitivity” in posing for photographs with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness. Holness, 51, has openly expressed his desire to replace the monarchy with a republic.
During their surprise visit to the Caribbean island nation on January 23rd, Markle, 42, and Harry, 39, graced the Bob Marley: One Love film premiere, and were photographed on the red carpet with Holness and another vocal anti-monarchist, Marlene Malahoo Forte.
Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Face Intense Criticism From Royalists After Red Carpet Moment With Andrew Holness
Since then, many royalists have taken to social media and spoken to outlets to criticize the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for this. One notable royal pundit, Phil Dampier, sat down with the Daily Mail last week and said that the couple were "insensitive."
Dampier told the publication that Jamaica may conduct a referendum later this year to dissociate from the British monarchy. "It's almost certain they will go their own way eventually," he said. He added: "Under normal circumstances, there would be nothing wrong with them going to a film premiere. But at a time when … Jamaica is making noises about ditching the monarchy, this is rather insensitive."
The royal expert noted that both Markle and Harry have "happy memories" of the tropical country. "Clearly, the couple felt at home. But it’s sending out a message that they support that country when they haven’t found the time to make a public show of support for the King and the Princess of Wales," he continued, alluding to the persistent health struggles of King Charles III and Kate Middleton.
Dampier went on: "They may have done so in private, but they are certainly not going out of their way to say they want a reconciliation, and this appearance emphasizes yet again the different world they now live in."
On a TalkTV broadcast two days after their red carpet appearance, several anchors deemed Markle to be "calculating" and expressed that they thought she and Harry were "narcissists" for stepping out at the event and embracing Holness.
At the premiere, the couple also engaged in conversation with Bob Marley's eldest son, Ziggy, and they later had the opportunity to take photographs with Marlene Malahoo Forte, the former Attorney General of Jamaica, as well as Brian Robbins, the President and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon.
As reported by People Magazine, Markle and Harry have long been admirers of reggae icon Marley's music and the positive impact it carries.
The biographical drama film Bob Marley: One Love will hit US theaters on February 14th and stars Kingsley Ben-Adir as the legendary musician and Lashana Lynch as his wife and fellow singer, Rita.
This red carpet appearance marked the Sussexes' return to Jamaica. In advance of their engagement, Markle and Harry embarked on a joint 2017 trip to attend the nuptials of friends.
