The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, made news by attending the premiere of “Bob Marley: One Love” in Kingston, Jamaica on January 23, 2024. Their presence at the event came amidst growing health issues within the British royal family, leading to controversy.
Since 2020, the royal couple has resided in California, after renouncing their senior roles within the monarchy. During their visit to the premiere in Jamaica, they were photographed in the company of Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness.
Prime Minister Holness has been promoting the idea of transforming Jamaica into a republic, a move that would entail cutting off ties with the British crown. This interaction has been seen as ‘insensitive’ by some, particularly in light of the timing of their visit.
At the time of the trip, King Charles III, Prince Harry’s father, was preparing for a medical procedure for an enlarged prostate. Concurrently, Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry’s sister-in-law, was recuperating from abdominal surgery.
Phil Dampier, a royal commentator, has criticized the couple for perceived insensitivity, especially in light of the health concerns of King Charles and Kate Middleton. The health issues of these prominent royal family members have led to questions about the timing of the Sussexes’ visit to Jamaica.
At the film’s premiere, the Duke and Duchess interacted with various guests, including Marlene Malahoo Forte, Jamaica’s Minister for Legal and Constitutional Affairs, who has also backed the idea of Jamaica becoming a republic.
The film “Bob Marley: One Love” celebrates Bob Marley’s contributions to music and his advocacy for peace, love, and social change. The event attracted diverse individuals from Jamaica’s entertainment, political, and business spheres. The royal couple’s attendance at this culturally pivotal event added an international aspect to the premiere.
Harry and Meghan, who have long appreciated Bob Marley’s music, were pleased to attend the premiere, which commemorates the life and legacy of the legendary reggae artist.
This visit to Jamaica marked their first return to the island since 2017 when they attended a friend’s wedding.
The debate around the Sussexes’ visit to Jamaica mirrors larger discussions about the future of the Commonwealth nations’ relationship with the British monarchy.
Several Commonwealth countries, including Jamaica, are considering becoming republics, following the example of countries like Barbados, which in 2021 replaced the British monarch with a local president.
