Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been slammed for their 'insensitive' and 'tone-deaf' visit to Jamaica, where they attended the premiere of a new Bob Marley film and met with the Prime Minister who wants to sever ties with the British monarchy.
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex flew to Kingston on Tuesday for a private screening of One Love, a documentary about the life and legacy of the reggae legend, who was a vocal critic of colonialism and imperialism.
They also posed for photos with Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who has repeatedly called for Jamaica to become a republic and remove Queen Elizabeth II as the head of state.
The couple's trip came at a time when the royal family is facing a health crisis, as King Charles III, who ascended the throne last year after the Queen's death, is undergoing treatment for prostate cancer and his wife Camilla is by his side.
Meanwhile, the Duchess of Cambridge is recovering from abdominal surgery at a London hospital, after suffering from complications during her fourth pregnancy.
Royal watchers have accused Harry and Meghan of being 'disrespectful' and 'out of touch' with the public mood, as they enjoy a lavish holiday while their relatives are battling serious illnesses.
'This is a slap in the face to the King and the Duchess of Cambridge, who are going through a very difficult time,' said royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams. 'Harry and Meghan should have shown some solidarity and compassion, instead of jetting off to a country that wants to ditch the monarchy.'
He added: 'They are also sending a very mixed message to the Jamaican people, who may see this as an endorsement of their Prime Minister's anti-monarchical agenda. Harry and Meghan are still members of the royal family, even if they have stepped back from their official duties. They should be more careful about the signals they send.'
A source close to the couple said they had planned the trip months ago and had no intention of offending anyone. They said Harry and Meghan are 'huge fans' of Bob Marley and wanted to support the film, which was produced by their friend and fellow activist Bob Geldof.
The source also said the couple had a 'cordial' meeting with Mr Holness and discussed issues such as climate change, youth empowerment and social justice.
'Harry and Meghan respect the Prime Minister's views and the democratic process in Jamaica,' the source said. 'They are not here to interfere in the country's politics, but to celebrate its culture and history.'
The couple are expected to stay in Jamaica for a few more days, before returning to their home in California, where they live with their two-year-old son Archie and their newborn daughter Lilibet.
