Meghan Markle Hints at Political Aspirations: A few Signs Point to Future in US Politics
Meghan Markle has fueled speculation that she may be considering a future in politics. The 41-year-old Duchess has long been vocal about social issues such as gender inequality, beginning with her childhood letter to Procter and Gamble about a sexist advertisement. Here are four indications that Meghan may be gearing up for a political career in the US.
A Hefty Investment in PR Expertise The Sussexes are said to have paid nearly £90,000 to Michelle Obama's former Press Secretary, Ms. McCormick Lelyveld, a move interpreted by some as evidence of Meghan's political intentions. The payment was reportedly made to Ms. McCormick Lelyveld's PR firm, KMLSA LLC, for "strategic support for social impact PR."
Daily Mirror's royal editor, Russell Myers, told Sky News Australia that this payment "gives you an indication about whether [Meghan] has political ambition." While some find the notion "frankly ridiculous," Myers would not "bet against it."
Advocating for Paid Parental Leave In 2021, Meghan reportedly reached out to US senators, advocating for paid parental leave. She called Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Susan Collins from a withheld number.
Senator Capito disclosed that she initially thought the call was from Senator Joe Manchin, as his calls also come in blocked. Meghan introduced herself as "Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex." Senator Kirsten Gillibrand had provided Meghan with the senators' numbers, and Meghan's call aimed to encourage them to support a policy for paid leave following the birth of a child.
Focusing on Charitable Causes as a Senior Royal During her tenure as a senior royal, Meghan used her position to champion various causes, including mental health and women's rights. In 2018, shortly after marrying Prince Harry, she released 'Together: Our Community Cookbook' in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
Speaking Out for Vaccine Equity In 2021, Meghan and Harry addressed vaccine equity at a New York-based Covid concert attended by 60,000 people. They emphasized that one's birthplace should not determine their chances of survival.
At the Global Citizen Live event, Meghan asserted that "every single person on this planet has a fundamental right" to receive the Covid vaccine. She criticized the fact that "just ten wealthy nations" had access to the vaccine, deeming it "just not ok."
These four signs suggest that Meghan Markle may be contemplating a political career in the US. While it remains to be seen whether she will take this step, her actions indicate a strong interest in social and political causes.