Meghan urged people to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming US election in an impassioned speech delivered during a virtual event. Taking part in the When All Women Vote initiative, launched by a voter registration group, Meghan warned not voting on November 3 will equal being “part of the problem”.
She said: “So you know it’s interesting we are obviously faced with a lot of problems in our world right now, both in the physical world and in the digital world.
“But we can and must do everything we can to ensure all women have their voices heard.
“Because at this juncture, if we aren’t part of the solution, we are part of the problem.
“If you aren’t going out there and voting, then you’re complicit.
“If you’re complacent, you’re complicit.
“And I think when we are looking at all the different ways we can engage, we can support one another, it doesn’t necessarily matter what the issue is that speaks to your heart: maybe it’s the environment.
“Maybe it’s the rights of women. Maybe it’s the rights of children or maybe it’s healthcare.
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“Whatever it is, we can make the difference in this election and we will make the difference in this election.”
Many commentators and social media users welcomed and praised Meghan for her words.
However, some pointed out her call to exercise the democratic right to vote clashed with the fact she had been announced as speaker at the event as ‘Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex’.
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Members of the British Royal Family are not barred by the law from voting, but they decide not to exercise their right to remain as neutral as possible.
One social media user pointed out Meghan continues to use her royal title while living in a former British colony.
Twitter user Laleen said: “Isn’t that undemocratic? A British title used in a former colony? And that too, for voting?
“As in using a title while talking about voting and democracy? What is Meg’s PR team thinking”.
Social media user Pamela RG, discussing whether it was fair of Meghan to delve into US politics, said: “As Meghan Markle yes. As Duchess of Sussex, no.
“We don’t hear the Princess Royal or the Countess of Wessex urging everybody in the UK to vote.
“Royals getting involved in politics is not allowed.
“That’s a Constitutional Monarchy of which Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex is a member.”
Similarly, Twitter user Abigail wrote: “Would’ve been better as Meghan Markle.
“Using UK Royal titles is inappropriate…”
And social media user Miss Print added: “There’s a big difference between being ‘apolitical’ and ‘non-partisan’.
“Members of the British Royal Family understand that they should be former. We, the British public appreciate them for that.”
However, a US royal fan, with the nickname UK Royal Tea, doesn’t believe Meghan should relinquish her title to be able to speak about voting rights and the importance of casting the ballot.
They said: “While I didn’t like the swipes that Meghan took at the RF in her last conversation about voting, I don’t really see the problem with her taking part in this.
“Voting is important, and encouraging people to vote is not a political statement on its own.”
Meghan and Harry gained more freedom from the royal protocol in late March when they officially stepped down as senior royals.
While they have been allowed to live abroad and pursue financially profitable ventures, the couple agreed with the Queen and her aides they can no longer style themselves as ‘HRH, His/Her Royal Highness’.
However, they both retain their full titles and Prince Harry hasn’t been removed from the line of succession.
