Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have faced backlash following their recent statement encouraging U.S. citizens to register to vote in the upcoming presidential election. Although the couple did not endorse either candidate, their call to action has sparked controversy, particularly from political figures in the UK.
Criticism from Republican Chairman
Greg Swenson, Chairman of the Republican movement in the UK, voiced his disapproval, suggesting that the couple’s efforts to promote voter registration are inherently biased. “They can’t help themselves,” Swenson remarked to the Mail. He further stated, “By encouraging people to vote, they are essentially ballot harvesting for Kamala,” alluding to Vice President Kamala Harris. Swenson implied that their actions were implicitly supportive of Harris without the need for explicit endorsements.
Harry and Meghan’s Statement on Civic Engagement
In their statement posted on the Archewell Foundation website, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex expressed their commitment to civic engagement. They said, “In honor of National Voter Registration Day, The Archewell Foundation team came together for a meaningful volunteer activity to support and empower our communities.”
The couple elaborated on their initiative, which involved writing personalized letters to encourage unregistered voters to take the essential step of registering. They emphasized, “Voting is not just a right; it’s a fundamental way to influence the fate of our communities.” Their statement underscored the importance of civic engagement across all political affiliations, aiming to promote a more just and equitable world.
Context of Political Endorsements
Despite the couple’s neutral stance, they have previously been criticized by political figures, including Eric Trump, who labeled them as “spoiled apples” during a GB News interview earlier this year. The current political landscape has seen various celebrities publicly endorse candidates, with notable figures like Taylor Swift backing Harris and Billie Eilish declaring support for the Harris-Tim Walz ticket over Trump.
As the U.S. presidential election approaches, Prince Harry and Meghan’s advocacy for voter registration continues to provoke discussion about the role of public figures in political discourse and civic engagement.