KOLA SULAIMON/AFP VIA GETTY
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle issued a powerful new statement on the importance of voting, seemingly sending a subtle message to King Charles as he reportedly prepared Prince William for future royal duties. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex emphasized the significance of voting as a “fundamental way to influence communities” and help create “a more equitable world.”
Their statement comes at a time of heightened speculation about the British monarchy, as reports suggest that King Charles is preparing Prince William for his new role within the royal family. Despite stepping back from their royal duties, Harry and Meghan continue to make their voices heard, particularly on social issues like voting and civic engagement.
The California-based couple, who previously faced criticism for weighing in on the 2020 U.S. election, issued this new message ahead of the upcoming presidential election. The statement coincided with National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, during which the couple encouraged their Archewell Foundation team to participate in a letter-writing campaign aimed at boosting voter turnout.
The Archewell website detailed how the organization used Vote Forward’s letter-writing tool to encourage unregistered voters to participate in the upcoming election. The statement read: “Voting is not just a right; it’s a fundamental way to influence the fate of our communities. At The Archewell Foundation, we recognize that civic engagement, no matter one’s political party, is at the heart of a more just and equitable world.”
By amplifying the importance of civic participation, Harry and Meghan stressed the message that “every voice matters.” They also invited readers to join the initiative, encouraging others to volunteer and write letters to unregistered voters. Their statement concluded, “Together, let’s make sure every eligible voter is informed and empowered to participate in shaping America’s future.”
The couple’s advocacy for voting is not new. In the lead-up to the 2020 U.S. presidential election, they released a video from their Montecito home, with Harry urging voters to “reject hate speech” and Meghan calling the election “the most important of our lifetime.”
This latest statement from the Duke and Duchess comes at a time when anti-monarchy sentiments in the UK, such as those voiced by the group Republic, are gaining traction. Some see Harry and Meghan’s continued focus on civic issues as bolstering these calls for an elected head of state, though the couple themselves have not directly commented on these movements.
