Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's surprise trip to Jamaica this week sparked controversy in more ways than one.
The couple, who rarely appear in public, walked the red carpet at the premiere of Paramount Pictures' new film Bob Marley: One Love and were photographed with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness.
Mr Holness previously raised “unresolved” issues between his country and the royal family during Prince William and Princess Kate's visit to Jamaica in 2022. Kinsey Schofield, host of the To Di for Daily podcast and royal expert, spoke exclusively to FOX News Digital about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's visit to Jamaica. “To Jamaica” was never a salvation song.
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan make rare public appearance a week after the royal family suffered medical problems
Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry attended the premiere of Paramount's new Bob Marley biopic. (Marcus Ingram)
The prime minister told Prince William and Princess Kate during his 2022 visit that Jamaica intends to become fully independent. “We're moving on,” he said. “We… intend to fulfill our true ambitions and destiny as an independent, developed and prosperous nation.”
Prince Harry's honor at John Travolta event labeled 'weird' by experts
The former British colony will become the second Caribbean island to sever diplomatic relations with the monarchy in recent years, with Barbados severing diplomatic relations in November 2021. Britain ruled Jamaica for over 300 years, most notably during the 18th century when the British government ruled the country. Involved in the Atlantic slave trade. Jamaica gained independence in August 1962 but remained part of the British Commonwealth.
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan walked the red carpet at the debut of “Bob Marley: One Love,'' along with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, his wife Juliette, and Member of Parliament Olivia Grange. (Jason Corner)
“We understand and agree with the criticism that the pair have been photographed with anti-monarchy Prime Minister Andrew Holness, but in their defence, their real intentions are to move on in Hollywood. I think so,” Schofield said. “They feel completely self-consumed. Completely ignored.”
Mr Schofield said he was “clearly not concerned” about how the Sussexes would attend red carpet events “while the Princess of Wales and the King deal with a medical emergency”. added.
Like what you’re reading? Click here for more entertainment news
“Sometimes, when repeated errors of judgment are made by two people who hardly value the consequences of their actions, I wonder if they are given too much credit for being nefarious.”
Last week Kensington Palace announced that Duchess Kate, who turns 42 this month, underwent “planned abdominal surgery” at a London clinic. The Princess of Wales has also postponed all official duties until after Easter in April.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex pose with Paramount Pictures CEO Brian Robbins and his wife Tracy Robbins at the premiere of Bob Marley: One Love in Kingston, Jamaica. (Jason Corner)
Shortly after Kate's announcement, Buckingham Palace revealed that King Charles III was seeking treatment for an enlarged prostate and had been forced to postpone royal duties “for a short period of time.”
Click here to sign up for our entertainment newsletter
British royal expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital: “Seeing Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan cozy up to Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica and a staunch supporter of independence from the Commonwealth, There's no way I'd be happy about it.”
“It would not have gone unnoticed at this very sensitive time for the royal family, with King Charles III about to undergo surgery and Kate Middleton recuperating.” I'm not pledging allegiance by hanging out with them.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who stepped down as senior royals in 2020, returned to the island together for the first time in seven years.
Meghan married her first husband Trevor Engelson in Jamaica in 2011. (mega)
Meghan Markle sported a yellow bikini on the beach during her four-day wedding in Jamaica with first husband Trevor Engleson. (mega)
The pair were seen hanging out around Montego Bay in 2017 while attending his best friend Tom Inskip's wedding. A year later, Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry married at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.
The tropical island remains a small place in Markle's heart. In 2011, she said “I do” to her first husband Trevor Engelson during a four-day wedding at the Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios.
Despite dating for nearly 10 years, the former couple separated after two years of marriage and were granted a no-fault divorce in February 2014.
Royal biographer Andrew Morton claimed Markle ghosted him and sent the ring back by registered mail. Other reports say the two became estranged as the former actress gained her fame thanks to her role in Suits.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
