In a notable shift from her outspoken stance in the 2020 U.S. election, Meghan Markle has remained silent on the 2024 presidential race, despite her past public support for Democratic candidates and social causes. As Kamala Harris battles Donald Trump in one of the tightest races in recent history, Markle's lack of endorsement has left many speculating about her motives.
During the 2020 election, Markle and Prince Harry encouraged Americans to vote against "hate speech" in what was widely interpreted as a nod toward Joe Biden's campaign. This public involvement stirred considerable backlash in the U.K., with some commentators calling for the couple to renounce their royal titles. Markle also participated in virtual events with the likes of Michelle Obama, stressing the importance of voter turnout and adding weight to the Sussexes' support for democratic participation.
However, the Sussexes' approach in 2024 has been far more reserved. This time, they have avoided any direct endorsements, opting instead for a statement on their Archewell Foundation's website, emphasizing the importance of voter registration and civic engagement. "Voting is not just a right; it's a fundamental way to influence the fate of our communities," the statement read. Yet, despite these general words of encouragement, the statement fell short of endorsing any candidate.
Some suggest that Markle's silence is a strategic pivot, reflecting the Sussexes' complex public image and the polarized reactions they've faced in recent years. After the release of Prince Harry's memoir Spare, both Harry and Meghan saw their U.S. approval ratings drop, indicating a more cautious approach could be in play. As Edward Coram James, a public relations expert, told Newsweek, "I think it would have a negative impact on Kamala. The people that like Meghan Markle will probably already like and be voting for Kamala Harris." Given this, Markle's silence may be an attempt to avoid backlash and limit further impact on Harris's campaign.
In contrast to Markle's previous stance, this silence represents a considerable shift for the couple. Back in 2020, Markle made waves with her graduation speech at Immaculate Heart High School, in which she encouraged students to channel their feelings about the death of George Floyd and other social injustices at the ballot box. "The only wrong thing to say is to say nothing," she declared. That year, her vocal activism won praise from some Democrats, including Kamala Harris, who thanked Markle for her speech on social media.
Harris is no stranger to Markle's advocacy, with the vice president having shown support for Markle over the years. In 2019, Harris reposted a clip of Markle discussing the toll of online bullying and media criticism. Harris's post praised Markle's courage, stating, "This is incredibly important. We must remember that it's a sign of strength to show emotion." This public exchange underscored the mutual respect between the two women, making Markle's absence in this campaign all the more noticeable.
Political observers speculate that Markle's decision to stay silent on the 2024 election could also be influenced by personal safety concerns. With Trump promising a strong crackdown on perceived political adversaries should he return to office, some believe that the Sussexes, who have been on the receiving end of Trump's sharp criticisms, may be wary of provoking him again. Trump famously called Markle "nasty" in 2019 and commented during a 2020 White House briefing that he was "not a fan" of hers, adding that Prince Harry would "need a lot of luck" given Markle's activism.
Others argue that Markle's position may reflect a growing sense of disillusionment with the political establishment. Despite her vocal support in 2020, she may be reluctant to endorse Harris directly, given the mixed results from the Biden administration's policies on issues like Gaza and immigration. Yet, it remains unclear whether these issues factored into her decision not to support a specific candidate.
Meanwhile, the political landscape has changed drastically since Markle first weighed in during 2020. Since then, her own reputation has come under scrutiny, with multiple media sources questioning the Sussexes' relationship with the royal family. The couple's explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, followed by a series of public appearances and revelations, distanced them further from the monarchy, and yet, some argue, gave them more freedom to speak their minds in U.S. politics.
Polling data underscores the potential risks for Harris. A Newsweek survey conducted by Redfield & Wilton Strategies in July found that while 21% of respondents said they might be swayed by a Markle endorsement, another 20% said they might be turned off by it, leaving a significant portion indifferent.
