Meghan and Prince Harry just took part in a groundbreaking interview where they called for an end to structural racism in the UK, even though they have been residing in the US since March. The couple also featured in a televised video for ABC’s TIME special, where they encouraged citizens to reject online negativity and misinformation. Harry noted that while he has not been able to vote in the UK “my entire life” it was time for the electorate to “act” in the US and hit the ballot boxes.
Meghan, a US citizen, said the upcoming presidential election is “the most important election of our lifetime” and told voters “you deserve to be heard”.
Shortly afterwards the video aired, a reporter asked the President for his response to Meghan and Harry’s video, in which they “essentially encouraged people to vote for Joe Biden”.
Mr Trump replied: “I’m not a fan of hers.
“She probably has heard that. But I wish a lot of luck to Harry because he’s going to need it.”
The comments prompted a wave of frustration on social media, with many branding Meghan a “strong” woman for speaking up and using her platform.
On Twitter, one royal fan account, @RoyalTea, noted how Mr Trump’s dismissive remarks could actually work in Meghan’s favour.
In September, they tweeted: “Trump’s standard brand of sexism just made Meghan a martyr.
Meghan Markle and US President Donald Trump (Image: Getty)
“He gave her the political relevance she has been working so hard for.
“This isn’t a takedown, it’s the first step in legitimising her.
“If you don’t want to hear her talking politics — you’re out of luck.”
The Duchess of Sussex is reportedly considering running for president in 2024, and now that she is no longer a working royal, she is not bound by Palace rules.
Meghan is expected to also be the first royal to vote in modern history.
She has expressed a sincere interest in US politics for years, and has frequently explained she is determined to use her platform for good — and her “feud” with the President has only elevated her presence.
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Meghan Markle has been tipped to be considering running for president in 2024 (Image: Getty)
Notably, Mr Trump only aimed his response at Meghan, rather than Harry, adding to the ongoing spat between the two figures.
Although the Sussexes have not mentioned any candidates during their recent speeches — meaning they are just about in line with the political neutrality demanded of the Royal Family — it is widely assumed the couple support the Democrat candidate, Joe Biden.
For instance, Meghan first spoke out against Mr Trump when he was the Republican candidate for presidency in 2016.
She dubbed him “divisive” and “misogynistic”— comments which Mr Trump only heard about years later.
When he found out about her comments in June 2019, Mr Trump replied: “I didn’t know that she was nasty.”
Unsurprisingly Meghan did not make an appearance during his state visit to the UK that summer, when she was on maternity leave.
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Trump during his state banquet at Buckingham Palace in 2019 (Image: Getty)
Prince Harry meeting Ivanka Trump, the President’s daughter (Image: Getty)
Then in March this year, when the news broke that the Sussexes had relocated to California from Canada, the President tweeted: “I am a great friend and admirer of the Queen and the United Kingdom.
“It was reported that Harry and Meghan, who left the Kingdom, would reside permanently in Canada.
“Now they have left Canada for the US, however, the US will not pay for their security protection.
“They must pay!”
However, the Sussex household was quick to rebuff his claim and explained private arrangements had already been made for their security in California.
Harry’s behaviour has also indicated that he is not a fan of Mr Trump.
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Meghan taking part in ‘When all women vote’ video call for ‘When We All Vote’ (Image: YouTube/When We All Vote)
The Duke of Sussex spoke out against the controversial President during a leaked hoax phone call which was recorded back in January.
He said the President had “blood on his hands” for inaction over climate change.
However, a source told The Telegraph that, during the video for TIME magazine, Harry was not campaigning for either party.
The insider explained: “The Duke was talking about the tone of debate in the run-up to an election which is already quite febrile.
“He is building on a lot of stuff that he’s said before about online communities, how we engage with each other online, rather than specifically making any political points.”
Even so, Buckingham Palace made sure to distance itself from his words.
A spokesman said: “The Duke is not a working member of the Royal Family and any comments he makes are made in a personal capacity.”
Meghan’s work in the run-up to the campaign has also been for non-profit organisations such as When We all Vote.
Yet, such a platform was set up by former First Lady Michelle Obama, who is married to the Democrat President Barack Obama.
