LONDON, The United Kingdom – The recent visit of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to Jamaica has reportedly left the royal family less than impressed, according to sources speaking to The Times of London.
The couple’s meeting with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness was described as “not ideal” amidst a backdrop of complex political and familial sensitivities.
The timing of the Sussexes’ trip, coinciding with their attendance at the film premiere of “Bob Marley: One Love” at the invitation of Brian Robbins, Paramount’s chief executive, was seen as “not especially welcome back in London,” one source claimed. Another described the visit as “misguided.”
Sources close to King Charles III suggested that Prince Harry might be “oblivious” to the political implications of being photographed with the Jamaican prime minister.
This perception arises in stark contrast to the global attention garnered by Prince William and Kate Middleton’s own visit to Jamaica.
During their trip, Prime Minister Holness conveyed a strong message of Jamaica’s progress towards becoming a republic by the next general election in 2025.
William and Kate’s visit was not without controversy. They faced protests and calls for slave reparations from the British monarchy, led by community leaders and activists like Opal Palmer Adisa.
Despite expressing “profound sorrow” over slavery’s atrocity, Prince William stopped short of issuing a formal apology for Britain’s role in the slave trade.
The Sussexes’ Jamaican trip follows a turbulent tour of Central America and the Caribbean by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Their journey began with protests in Belize and was met with further demonstrations in Jamaica, organized by the Advocates Network, which questioned the British monarchy’s legacy.
Post-tour, Prince William reflected on the experience, emphasizing his and Kate’s commitment to service rather than leadership within the Commonwealth. He expressed his understanding that the future of these nations is for their people to decide.
Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan’s connections to Jamaica, including Harry’s official visit during Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee year, were highlighted by the Times. A source noted that Harry is “beloved by the Jamaicans” and could have been a significant asset to the Commonwealth had they maintained their royal roles.
Regarding Harry and Meghan’s trip, sources close to Prince William indicated that he is currently focused on other matters, including Kate’s recovery following abdominal surgery.
The likelihood of Harry and Meghan’s reintegration into broader royal duties seems increasingly uncertain, as one source told the Times, “Given everything that has gone on, it’s hard to see how Harry could ever come back into the fold.”
