In a report that dubbed Prime Minister Andrew Holness as “anti-royal”, Prince Harry and wife Meghan have been criticised as insensitive for posing with the Jamaican leader at the Bob Marley One Love movie premiere in Kingston.

The article by the UK’s Daily Mail tabloid highlighted Holness’ intention to remove the British monarch as Jamaica’s head of state and quoted royal observers suggesting that the action by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex was untimely as Harry’s father King Charles and sister-in-law Kate Middleton are battling medical issues.

Harry and Meghan were pictured alongside Holness and other Jamaican government officials at Tuesday’s movie premiere at the Carib theatre.

“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,” one royal observer was quoted as saying, adding “Clearly the couple felt at home. But it’s sending out a message that they support that country when they haven’t found the time to make a public show of support for the King and the Princess of Wales.”

The observer went on to describe as “very sad” Barbados’ decision to “get rid of the Queen near the end of her life without a referendum.”

He added, “Jamaica will have a referendum but it’s almost certain they will go their own way eventually.”

It is understood that King Charles and Kate Middleton have both been recently hospitalised. The King is said to be getting treatment for prostate issues while Middleton, the Princess of Wales, is said to be recovering from abdominal surgery.