Duke and Duchess of Sussex Stir Controversy by Issuing Pre-Election Statement Urging Americans to Vote
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly sparked frustration within the Palace after a recent move seen as breaching a pledge to stay politically neutral. Palace insiders report that officials are “wringing their hands” following the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's statement urging Americans to vote ahead of the US presidential election—a move that, while not endorsing any candidate, has caused tension.
The royal family traditionally remains apolitical, and this neutrality was one of the conditions Harry and Meghan agreed to upon stepping down from senior royal duties at the 2020 Sandringham Summit. According to The Sunday Times, royal aides feel the statement violates this commitment, despite earlier reassurances of neutrality reported by The Telegraph.
At the time, the Sussexes’ Archewell Foundation emphasized their dedication to community support through non-political initiatives. However, the recent statement has left some royal officials feeling the agreement has been disregarded, reigniting strains between the Sussexes and the Palace.