The Truth About Meghan Markle's Potential Run For President
Meghan Markle caused a stir overseas upon marrying Prince Harry and becoming a member of the royal family in 2018. But by far, the biggest controversy surrounding the royal couple came when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex decided to step down from the royal family and move to California, Meghan's birthplace.
After Harry and Meghan's departure from royal life, questions arose as to what the two public figures planned to do next. But staying quiet and out of the limelight doesn't seem to be on the to-do list, especially in a U.S. presidential election year.
In an interview with Marie Claire, Meghan was adamant about never being afraid to speak her mind on things that matter. "I know what it's like to have a voice, and also what it's like to feel voiceless," said Meghan. "I also know that so many men and women have put their lives on the line for us to be heard. And that opportunity, that fundamental right, is in our ability to exercise our right to vote and to make all of our voices heard."
Meghan's voice has made the Duchess of Sussex unlike many other royals. Feminist journalist Gloria Steinem described Meghan as "herself, smart, authentic, funny, political" — opposite of what a stereotypical princess or duchess might be. But could the duchess's "political" side mean a possible stint in the White House? Just maybe.
Meghan Markle is 'engaged' in politics
Meghan Markle, a former actress, stayed busy with her formal royal duties as the Duchess of Sussex until she and husband Prince Harry decided to leave the royal family behind in pursuit of other ventures. Meanwhile, the royal never gave up her U.S. citizenship, but could that be for her own political gain?
According to Vanity Fair, a close friend of Markle claims "one of the reasons she was so keen not to give up her American citizenship was so she had the option to go into politics. I think if Meghan and Harry ever gave up their titles she would seriously consider running for president."
President Meghan Markle may have a nice ring to it, but for the Duchess herself, she seems uninterested. Those who work with the Duchess dismissed claims she has plans for any political career. "While there's no denying she is interested and engaged in politics as a topic, she harbors no ambition to enter a career in politics herself," the source told Vanity Fair.
Royals aren't supposed to be political
Looking back at past presidential hopefuls, many had previously claimed disinterest in the title before throwing their hat in the race. Will Meghan Markle do the same? Her biographer says yes, per Vanity Fair.
Omid Scobie, a royal reporter at Harper's Bazaar, claims the Duchess of Sussex is interested in the White House position. "She has her eyes set on the U.S. presidency," said Scobie in a True Royalty documentary called Meghan for President?. "She is the embodiment of the American dream. One day we may see Meghan become president."
Meghan has one big obstacle in her way, though: her royal title. An expert on the royal family, Marlene Koenig, explained to Harper's Bazaar: "The Sovereign, who represents all of the people, must be non-political. It is the job of the elected officials to be political."
Yet Meghan hasn't fully followed that rule — and she's faced her fair share of backlash over it. In 2016, Meghan gave her honest opinions on President Donald Trump to Larry Wilmore on The Nightly Show (granted, she was yet to be a duchess then). In 2020, Meghan spoke out about the importance of voting multiple times. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex even made an appearance as part of the Time 100, encouraging Americans to vote against "hate speech, misinformation, and online negativity."
Only time will tell if Meghan 2024 will be the next big political slogan of our time.