From Work Trips to Wedding Thrills: Tracing the Footsteps of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in Connection to Jamaica

via Getty
DUSSELDORF, GERMANY – SEPTEMBER 15: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan Markle attend the 7th day of Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany on September 15, 2023. The Invictus Games is an international sports competition for wounded, injured, and sick military personnel and veterans, founded by Prince Harry, designed to aid in their recovery and rehabilitation through sports. (Photo by Kadir Ilboga/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s love story unfolded in the shadows, but their wanderlust has never been able to escape notice. From the frosty landscapes of Norway to the sun-soaked beaches of Montego Bay, the couple has always shared a passion for global exploration. In fact, after a chance, blind date, their fourth meeting became an adventurous week of camping in Africa. While Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have traversed various lands, some places seem to have an irresistible pull that draws them back repeatedly.
Among these places is Jamaica, “the land of wood and water”, which has been a recurring setting for the Sussexes even before fate brought them together.
Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In 2012, as part of his grandmother’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Prince Harry touched down in Jamaica for a Caribbean tour. Greeted by a 21-gun salute from the Jamaican Defence Force, the young royal’s journey began at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston. The tour deemed a success, saw Prince Harry joyfully dancing to Bob Marley’s ‘One Love’, engaging with the singer’s widow, Rita Marley, and showcasing his athletic prowess on the track alongside Usain Bolt.
In 2012, to mark The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Prince Harry travelled to Belize, The Bahamas and Jamaica on behalf of Her Majesty, to join in with celebrations. pic.twitter.com/ILRlQQEO0X
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) June 14, 2019
Prince Harry’s visit to Jamaica in 2012 was a whirlwind of memorable moments. Gracing the Usain Bolt Track at the University of the West Indies, he posed with the legendary Olympian. The royal engaged in meetings, including one with Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller, and brought smiles to the Bustamente Children’s Hospital. The Prince also spent quality time with his fellow soldiers at the Up-Park Camp and tried his hand at the shooting range with the Jamaican Defence Force.
Meghan Markle’s Tropical Getaway in Negril
Before entering the royal sphere, Meghan Markle thrived as a dedicated lifestyle blogger on The Tig. Through the blog, Markle chronicled her escapades to locales like Istanbul, Turkey, and the serene Negril, Jamaica. In her May 2014 post about Negril, Jamaica, Markle shared the dilemma of being caught between sharing the beauty of the land of springs openly and stashing the memories like a prized secret under a pillow. After only a few days in this Caribbean haven, she felt a sense of instant renewal.
"There is a special kind of calm that fills me when I’m there(Negril, Jamaica), much of it having to do with the off the beaten track locale of the property (Rockhouse Hotel), and the warmth of the people" -Meghan Markle on The Tig pic.twitter.com/5sH1sDI2k5
— Renee (@Aditiya_renee) October 1, 2022
Morning yoga sessions against the backdrop of the cool Caribbean sea, afternoons filled with cliff jumping into crystal-clear waters, and evenings spent savoring dinners were the “jerk sauce” adorning her face post-perfect meal. Markle painted Jamaica as the kind of place that lingers in daydreams long after returning to the hustle-bustle of life. Interestingly, the actress also exchanged vows with her first husband in Jamaica in 2011.
The Tig adventure marked the final solo journey for any of the Sussexes to Jamaica. After welcoming 2017 together in London, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry set off on their first joint trip to Jamaica.
Meghan Markle became Prince Harry’s plus one
After making their love known to the world, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry promptly chose Jamaica as their next destination. In March 2017, the couple traveled to the Caribbean to be part of the wedding festivities for Tom “Skippy” Inskip and literary agent Lara Hughes-Young. Inskip, a childhood friend of Prince Harry’s from their Eton days, was his “wingman” during their wild night outs in the younger days. However, reports suggest a shift in their dynamic since Prince Harry’s marriage to Meghan Markle.
Harry and Meghan have the wedding of Tom Inskip and Lara Hughes-Young in Jamaica #PrinceHarry #MeghanMarkle pic.twitter.com/2jOO49r55i
— Royals (@PrinceHenryLife) March 4, 2017
This occasion marked Meghan Markle’s first attendance with Prince Harry at a wedding, representing a public debut of sorts for the couple. The event, set in an upscale resort in Jamaica, placed them amidst many other guests. However, unbothered by the gaze, the lovers were seen enjoying the beach ahead of the Friday wedding and even shared kisses, as per Vanity Fair. And now, seven years later, the couple found themselves in Jamaica once again.
The Sussexes are back in Jamaica for Bob Marley: One Love premiere
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently attended the premiere of the biographical musical drama film, Bob Marley: One Love. The film will delve into the life of reggae legend Bob Marley, tracing his journey from fame to his passing in 1981. The premiere took place at the Carib 5 Theatre in Jamaica. The 42-year-old Duchess of Sussex dazzled in a black spaghetti strap dress with a Carolina Herrera princess skirt, complemented by Prince Harry, who wore a navy suit paired with a crisp white button-down.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made a surprise outing for date night as the pair attended the premiere of 'Bob Marley: One Love' in Marley's hometown of Jamaica. pic.twitter.com/UiwsejA6WP
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) January 24, 2024
At the event, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry conversed with fellow red-carpet attendees, including Ziggy Marley, son of Bob Marley. The couple also took part in photo sessions, capturing moments with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Brian Robbins, the president and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon, along with his wife Tracy James. The true scene-stealer, however, was the Sussexes’ heartwarming public display of affection during the event, making the Jamaican visit absolutely worthwhile for fans.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What do you think about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s history with Jamaica? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT