Caught in the Crossfire of Hate: PM Andrew Holness Labelled Anti-monarchy for Posing with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
The recent appearance of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, at the “Bob Marley: One Love” movie premiere in Jamaica has stirred up a whirlwind of controversy in the International media and among royal commentators. This visit, encapsulating a moment with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, has served as a flashpoint in discussing the intricate relationship between the British monarchy and the former colonial territories seeking to redefine their political identities.
In what was supposed to be a star-studded night to celebrate the legacy of Bob Marley, Harry and Meghan’s presence at the premiere turned into an intense political discourse surrounding anti-monarchist sentiment and the quest for full sovereignty within Jamaica. Caught in the midst of this political and media storm is Prime Minister Andrew Holness. His willingness to pose alongside the Sussexes—figures moving away from traditional royal roles—has earned him an anti-monarchy label from critics.
The British Royal Family has long been a subject of fascination and scrutiny by both the British public and the international community. However, in recent years, the treatment of Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle has taken a particularly vicious turn. Following the announcement of their relationship, the media appeared to show an unhealthy interest in Meghan, which quickly degenerated into a litany of hate. Tabloids amplified negative and unfounded stories, often based on racist or misogynistic undertones that aimed to discredit and undermine the couple. This led to an increased scrutiny and racist abuse from the public, making their lives almost unbearable.
The British tabloid press has a history of targeting royal family members who are seen as controversial, such as Princess Diana, and they have continued this pattern with Meghan and Harry. However, to an unprecedented level, tabloids have deliberately manipulated the public discourse surrounding the couple to make it increasingly toxic and hateful.
This hateful campaign landed on the doorstep of Jamaica.
Jamaica, a former British colony and current Commonwealth realm, finds itself at an ideological crossroads as it grapples with its colonial past and visions for a self-determined future. In the wake of dynamic shifts in global power relations and heightened sensitivity towards historical injustices, the discussion surrounding colonial legacies has never been more pertinent. Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ stance on transforming Jamaica into a Republic is a reflection of an emerging trend within former colonies that seek to redefine their identities independent of their colonial past.
The Sussexes were among a number of dignitaries and celebrities who attended the selective viewing of the Marley movie. They attended the movie premier with Paramount Film Chief Brian Robbins and his wife Tracy James. The meet and greet with Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle, was a matter of informal decorum while engaging with other guests on the red carpet.
According to our source, The Sussexes are friends with Ziggy Marley and Kevin Frazier who is the host of Entertainment Tonight. Frazier was also in attendance of the premier and interviewing guests on the red carpet.
Despite, the obvious informal nature of the meeting between The Sussexes and Prime Minister Andrew Holness, this did not stop the predatory British Press to turn this joyful event and celebration of the life and legacy of Bob Marley, into a hateful political firestorm.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, royal commentator Phil Dampier condemned the couple’s move, labeling it as “insensitive.” According to Dampier, ‘Under normal circumstances there would be nothing wrong with them going to a film premiere. But at a time when his father is going under the knife and Jamaica is making noises about ditching the monarchy, this is rather insensitive.
Noting, this was not a formal event, and The Sussexes were not invited by the Prime Minister of Jamaica. Additionally, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are not working royals and can go wherever they pleases.
Jamaica’s journey towards becoming a Republic is rooted in it’s desire for an absolute self-governance, free from the vestiges of external control. Andrew Holness’ political trajectory, focusing on the transition of Jamaica from a constitutional monarchy to a Republic, underscores a democratic urge to redefine Jamaica’s head of state as a true reflection of it’s independent status. The characterization of this movement as “anti-monarchy” denies the legitimate and democratically supported aspirations of the sovereign people of Jamaica to take full control of their political destiny.
The Sussexes attendance of the premier had little impact for the One Love movie premiere or Jamacians. The Sussexes were placed in the noncelebrity seats and not seated in the VIP section.
While the Prime Minister had his picture taken with many of the hundreds of attendees including the Sussexes; the Sussexes were not seated nearby the Prime Minister nor the president of Paramount nor among the brilliant actors of the movie nor seated near the Marley family.
This is about the message of Bob Marley, One Love. Seems the British media refuse to understand the message. So proud of the Marley family and the legacy of the great Robert Nesta Marley. ONE LOVE
The British Media does seem like a hate machine obsessed with two people that left 4 years ago. It’s time for them to move on!
Jamaica has every right to move forward for the good of their country and people, and that is without the British Monarchy.
Very well put thankyou. It is about time someone stood up to the unhinged british tabloid excessive bullying of such a nice couple and anyone who associates with them
The brit press has really gone way to far in this hateful campaign against n innocent family.
Best wishes to Jamaica in their endeavors.
The British media’s coordinated attack against anyone who is seen with Harry or Meghan should be likened to dealing with a narcissistic, psychopathic ex. Instead of the British media focusing on their country’s failed economy and the devastation brought on by the idiocy of BREXIT. They instead would rather stalk a couple that left 4 years ago. Cheers to Jamaica! Wishing her a speedy process in shedding her colonial garb from a now mediocre country hastened to irrelevance by its vitriolic, biased media.
Right-minded people in Britain ignore the Daily Mail (otherwise called the Daily Fail.) Harry and Meghan are the most admirable members of a royal family that has a diminishing relevance today. Good luck to Jamaica in their endeavours. I wish that nobody felt the need to justify their celebrations to a hateful and vengeful press.
The Brits are bitter hateful racist people who are still in denial that their empire has fallen but what else is new?
Great Article. The reaction is purely out of hate for The Sussexes. They want to destroy their lives and even target the children. Sick people, sick minds!!