The report suggested that senior members of the royal family viewed Harry and Meghan as tone-deaf. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Andrew Holness shrugged off criticisms from the British media about the couple hobnobbing with him during the premiere as mere publicity for Jamaica. The media labeled Harry as insensitive for posing with Jamaica's anti-royalist prime minister. The anti-royalist label referred to Holness's message to Prince William during a 2022 tour of the Caribbean, expressing Jamaica's intention to transition to a republican system of government.
Royalists have taken to social media and outlets to criticize the Sussexes. Royal pundit Phil Dampier, in an interview with the Daily Mail, called the couple insensitive and suggested that Jamaica may conduct a referendum to dissociate from the British monarchy. Dampier noted that while there's nothing wrong with attending a film premiere under normal circumstances, doing so at a time when Jamaica is considering ditching the monarchy is insensitive. He emphasized that the couple's visit sends a message of support for the country while not publicly expressing support for the King and the Princess of Wales.
Another British commentator described Harry and Meghan's visit to Jamaica as tone-deaf, especially during the week when King Charles was hospitalized with an undisclosed illness. Prime Minister Holness, speaking at the official launch of the Jamaica Screen Development Initiative, expressed surprise at being drawn into the internal issues of the United Kingdom. He acknowledged the unexpected publicity for Jamaica and shared his positive experiences on the film set, noting that the actors were enamored with Jamaican culture, making connections with the country's impact on the world and Bob Marley's significance.
