Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has publicly denied long-standing speculation that she might seek political office, telling listeners on the April 28 episode of The Jamie Kern Lima Show that she has no intention of entering public service. The podcast appearance marked Markle's first-ever longform interview in the audio format.
Asked directly by host Jamie Kern Lima, "Would you ever run for office?" Markle replied: "No. Never." She added with a laugh, "Oh, God. I mean, you could say, 'Never say never.' No, I'm not interested in that. No."
The comments put to rest persistent rumors surrounding Markle's political aspirations, which have circulated since she and Prince Harry stepped down from their royal duties in 2020 and moved to California. Her explicit rejection of a political career comes amid continued public interest in how the couple has reshaped their post-royal roles in American civic and cultural life.
While royal family members traditionally remain politically neutral and refrain from voting, Markle made history in 2020 as the first modern British royal to vote in a U.S. presidential election. Speaking to Marie Claire at the time, she said: "I know what it's like to have a voice, and also what it's like to feel voiceless... that fundamental right is in our ability to exercise our right to vote."
During the podcast, the Duchess also discussed her creative ambitions, indicating openness to further publishing projects. "Yes, maybe, for sure," she said when asked if she'd write another book. Her debut children's book, The Bench, was a New York Times bestseller in 2021.
"I love, right now, working on everything in this space of hospitality and home and entertaining and food and those sort of tips and something like that I think could be really fun. Of course, children's books are great," Markle said.
She also addressed speculation about a memoir, a genre increasingly popular among high-profile public figures. "I think people are often curious if I'm going to write a memoir, but I've got a lot more life to live before I'm there," she told Kern Lima.
Now 43, Markle appeared on the show makeup-free and in casual attire. The interview touched on a wide range of personal topics including motherhood, her marriage to Prince Harry, and her business ventures such as the As Ever lifestyle brand.
The Duchess became emotional while speaking about her two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, sharing that she writes them emails every night before bed to be read when they are older.
