25 January 2024 , 12:46
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were invited to Jamaica to attend a glitzy film premiere by CEO of Paramount Pictures Brian Robbins, a friend of the couple has revealed.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex sparked a wave of criticism as they attended the premiere of Bob Marley: One Love on Tuesday night, while King Charles and the Princess of Wales are seeking hospital treatment. At the event in Kingston, Jamaica, Meghan and Harry were seen posing for pictures with Brian and his wife Tracy James, as well as the Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness.
Many people wondered why the Sussexes had decided to fly to the Caribbean instead of returning to the UK to support the Royal Family. Now, a source has said they have "a personal friendship with the Robbins family, who invited them".
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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were photographed alongside Andrew Holness (Getty Images for Paramount Pictu)Speaking to the Daily Mail, the source said Meghan and Harry "have long been fans of Bob Marley's music and message". They also said the couple were "delighted to attend" the film screening.
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However, not everyone was pleased with Meghan and Harry's decision to accept Brian's invite. Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, Royal New Network wrote: "So Prince Harry and Meghan Markle can't visit or seem to care about sick family members, but can travel to Jamaica to see a Bob Marley movie. The difference? A red carpet of course."
Royal expert Phil Dampier also said the timing wasn't right with Princess Kate and the King struggling. Princess Kate is currently in hospital while she recovers from abdominal surgery, while the monarch is set to undergo treatment for an enlarged prostate.
The Sussexes seemed to enjoy the event (Getty Images)Phil told the Daily Mail: "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."
For the premiere, Meghan wore a black gown featuring spaghetti straps and styled her hair into a bun. She added statement gold earrings and opted for a glamorous makeup look, complete with pink lipstick. Harry went for a smart-casual look, wearing a black suit with a white collared shirt.
Bob Marley: One Love "celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity". The movie stars Kingsley Ben-Adir as Bob Marley and Lashana Lynch as Rita Marley.