Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are once again under scrutiny after issuing a public statement encouraging voter participation ahead of the upcoming U.S. election. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, through their Archewell Foundation, released a message in honor of National Voter Registration Day, urging Americans to exercise their right to vote. While the couple stopped short of endorsing any candidates, their involvement has drawn criticism, particularly from Republican circles.
The statement, posted on the Archewell website, read: "Voting is not just a right; it's a fundamental way to influence the fate of our communities." The couple emphasized the importance of civic engagement, noting that their team had participated in a letter-writing campaign to encourage unregistered voters to take action. "At The Archewell Foundation, we recognize that civic engagement, no matter one's political party, is at the heart of a more just and equitable world," they added.
Although the message focused on voter participation without explicit political bias, critics quickly accused the Sussexes of veiled support for the Democratic Party, particularly Vice President Kamala Harris. Greg Swenson, Chairman of Republicans Overseas UK, suggested that Harry and Meghan were engaging in "ballot harvesting" for Harris. "They can't help themselves," Swenson told MailOnline. "By encouraging people to vote, they are essentially ballot harvesting for Kamala. You don't have to say it. We know who they are supporting."
This latest voter drive by the Sussexes comes just months before the U.S. presidential election, where Republican candidate Donald Trump will face off against Kamala Harris. The couple has not publicly endorsed any candidate, but this is not the first time their actions have been interpreted as politically charged. In 2020, Harry and Meghan urged Americans to vote in what they described as the "most important election of our lifetime," a statement widely seen as an endorsement of then-candidate Joe Biden over Trump. At the time, Trump publicly stated, "I'm not a fan" of Meghan Markle, adding that Harry would "need luck" in his marriage.
The current controversy stems from the Sussexes' involvement in political initiatives, which critics argue undermines their claims of neutrality. Tom Bower, an investigative journalist and biographer of the couple, weighed in, saying, "Meghan Markle yearns to belong to the American political establishment, especially the Democrat party." He pointed out that the Duchess had previously approached California Governor Gavin Newsom about potentially filling a political role after returning to the U.S. in 2020. "Ambitious to be famous and influential, Meghan's political ambitions are not dead," Bower added, suggesting the couple's actions are an attempt to stay relevant in political circles.
However, some experts have defended the Sussexes, arguing that urging voter participation is not inherently political. Thomas Gift, a professor of political science at University College London, noted that the couple has been cautious in their approach this year. "Unlike Taylor Swift and many other high-profile celebrities, the Sussexes apparently don't feel the need to alienate some of their fans by endorsing a candidate," Gift said, adding that encouraging voting is an "unobjectionable" stance that does not overtly favor one party over the other.
Despite attempts to avoid controversy, Harry and Meghan's actions have drawn criticism from political figures and commentators. Eric Trump, Donald Trump's son, previously referred to the Sussexes as "spoiled apples" in an interview with GB News, while other Republicans have accused the couple of pandering to "woke Hollywood elites." Swenson echoed these sentiments, stating, "Every move Harry and Meghan make is carefully orchestrated to keep them popular among their circle of elites."
In their statement, the Sussexes refrained from making any political endorsements, a clear departure from their previous involvement in the 2020 election. Instead, they focused on encouraging Americans to exercise their democratic rights, emphasizing that "every voice matters." The couple also invited readers to volunteer their time by writing letters to unregistered voters, as their Archewell Foundation staff had done. "Together, let's make sure every eligible voter is informed and empowered to participate in shaping America's future," they concluded.
The Sussexes' message comes as U.S. election season heats up, with both parties vying for support. Meghan, who has long been vocal about her commitment to social justice causes, has not made any formal political moves but continues to be seen as a figure with potential political ambitions. Reports have circulated that Meghan once sought Governor Newsom's support in replacing Senator Dianne Feinstein, fueling speculation about her future in politics.
