Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, has expressed his anger and frustration at being dragged into the ongoing feud between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and the British monarchy.
The couple made a surprise appearance at the premiere of a film about Bob Marley in Kingston, which has sparked controversy and criticism.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who left the royal family in 2020 and relocated to the United States, have been under scrutiny for their actions and statements that have been seen as disrespectful and damaging to the monarchy and the country.
Their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey, lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify, legal battles with the British media, and involvement in political and social issues have all contributed to the negative perception surrounding them.
They have also been accused of being ungrateful to the royal family and the monarchy.
The couple’s behavior has not only affected their relationship with the UK but also strained the ties between the UK and Jamaica.
As a former British colony and a member of the Commonwealth, Jamaica has been considering becoming a republic and severing ties with the crown.
During their surprise trip to Jamaica last month to attend the premiere of “Bob Marley, One Love,” a biopic celebrating the reggae singer’s life, the couple was photographed with Prime Minister Holness.
He has been advocating for Jamaica’s transition to a republic and had previously expressed his intentions during the couple’s 2022 tour to the Caribbean.
The couple also posed with Jamaica’s Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Marlene Malihou-Forte, who had previously mentioned the possibility of holding an urgent referendum to remove Charles as Jamaica’s monarch.
Many viewed the couple’s appearance at the premiere as a public relations stunt aimed at gaining sympathy and support from the Jamaican people and the international community while undermining the authority of the monarchy.
However, their plan backfired as both Prime Minister Holness and Minister Malihou-Forte publicly denounced them, accusing them of involving them in their royal drama for their own agenda.
Prime Minister Holness expressed his disappointment and anger at the couple’s visit, stating that he felt used and manipulated by them.
He clarified that he had not invited or welcomed them to the premiere and had only agreed to pose with them out of courtesy and protocol.
He emphasized that he had no interest in their personal or family matters and was solely focused on Jamaica’s development and prosperity.
He hoped that the couple would respect Jamaica’s sovereignty and refrain from interfering in the referendum on becoming a republic.
Minister Malihou-Forte echoed Prime Minister Holness’ sentiments, expressing shock and outrage at the couple’s visit.
She stated that she had not consented to being photographed with them and had only done so because she was standing next to Prime Minister Holness.
She emphasized her loyalty to Jamaica and her determination to end the monarchy’s influence in the country.
She urged the couple to leave Jamaica alone and mind their own business, highlighting the progressive and democratic nature of a republic.
The couple’s visit and the subsequent backlash from Jamaican authorities have sparked a heated debate among the public and the media.
Some have sided with the couple, arguing that they were unfairly treated and had the right to support Jamaica and Bob Marley.
On the other hand, others have supported the authorities, claiming that the couple’s actions were rude and unwarranted.
The incident has ignited discussions about the future of the monarchy in Jamaica and the country’s aspirations for independence.
As the controversy continues, it remains to be seen how this will impact the relationship between the UK and Jamaica and the ongoing debate surrounding the monarchy’s role in the country.