The attempt by the Sussexes to boost their public image and popularity took an unexpected turn at the premiere of Bob Marley’s One Love in Jamaica.
The couple, Harry and Meghan, found themselves faced with an awkward situation when Damian Marley, Bob Marley’s son, snubbed them at the after-party held at the prestigious Pegasus Hotel in Kingston.
Despite being invited as guests of Paramount Pictures CEO Brian Robbins, the royal pair were left red-faced when Damian Marley flatly refused to take a photo with them.
Rumors circulating on a celebrity gossip website suggest that Harry and Meghan, who are known fans of Damian Marley’s music and his father’s legacy, approached him during the after-party in hopes of capturing a photo together.
Their aim was to counter the criticism they had received for attending the event uninvited.
However, Damian Marley, who also served as one of the executive producers of the biopic, turned down their request without any hesitation.
Despite Harry and Meghan’s efforts to clarify their presence and express their admiration for Damian and his father, they were met with sarcasm and rebuff.
The incident left the royal couple visibly displeased, and they left the after-party without the sought-after photo with Damian Marley or any other film stars.
A source close to the royal family revealed to the Times of London that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s interaction with Andrew Holness, the Prime Minister of Jamaica, did not go as planned.
Their timing for the visit, as guests of Brian Robbins for the Bob Marley Won Love film premiere, was also criticized by sources.
Reports indicated that their reception in Jamaica was less than warm, with some sources labeling their attendance as ill-judged.
An observer from Kingston, Jamaica captured a moment on camera as Harry and Meghan were escorted to their seats inside the cinema, showing signs of disappointment at being seated among less distinguished guests.
Public relations expert Lynne Carrott shared her amusement at the awkward situation, noting that the couple appeared deflated as they were assigned to row 8.
She speculated that Meghan might have expected to be seated in a more prominent position, given her attire and status.
As social media buzzed with the video of the couple at the event, many scrutinized Prince Harry and Meghan’s body language.
Some viewers pointed out Harry’s nervous habit of stroking his beard, interpreting it as a sign of discomfort.
Others empathized with the couple, noting their formal attire in contrast to the more casually dressed attendees.
Lynne Carrott drew attention to Meghan’s elegant Carolina Herrera dress, implying that she may have anticipated a more prominent role in the evening’s proceedings.
Speculation arose regarding Meghan’s demeanor upon taking her seat, with some suggesting she displayed signs of dissatisfaction with her seating arrangement.
Netizens debated whether the couple had genuinely been invited or had crashed the event, highlighting the perceived disparity in their seating compared to VIP guests.
Opinions varied among online commentators, with some expressing sympathy for Harry’s apparent discomfort and feeling of being out of place.
The incident at the premiere underscored the challenges faced by the Sussexes in navigating public events and managing perceptions of their status and behavior.