Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have faced backlash for speaking out about the upcoming US election.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex urged US citizens to use their votes, and shared a powerful message about the importance of rejecting “hate speech, misinformation and online negativity”.
The video message was recorded for Time 100, and has sparked criticism due to the royal protocol urging members of the Royal Family to remain politically neutral.
One Twitter user wrote: “Surely a UK prince shouldn’t be interfering in any way in US politics? Even if he is only encouraging US citizens to vote in a US election.”
This beggars belief! surely a UK prince shouldn’t be interfering in any way in US politics? Even if he is only encouraging US citizens to vote in a US election .
— Toni 🌻Chief Impact officer of Chunga Chunga (@shnoggi) September 23, 2020
Another tweeted: “Why’s a UK prince and his wife getting involved in a US election? What business is it of his? Didn’t we fight a war to end interference from the British Monarchy?”
A third commented: “Why would a prince of the realm of the UK encourage US citizens to vote in a US election? How can this be allowed?”
Protocol prohibits British royals from commenting on politics, but Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior working members of the royal family earlier this year.
The couple no longer carry out royal duties, but they still hold their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles.
“It’s time to not only reflect, but act.” This #NationalVoterRegistrationDay, join #Time100 alumni Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, in taking action for the future. pic.twitter.com/JerXHxiZK3
— ABC (@ABCNetwork) September 23, 2020
In the video, Meghan addressed the public saying: “Every four years we are told the same thing, that this is the most important election of our lifetime. But this one is.
“When we vote, our values are put into action and our voices are heard. Your voice is a reminder that you matter, because you do and you deserve to be heard.”
Harry noted that while he was unable to vote in the election as he is not a US citizen, it was important for those who are eligible to be wary of their online consumption.
“As we approach this November, it’s vital that we reject hate speech, misinformation and online negativity,” he said, “What we consume, what we are exposed to, and what we engage with online, has a real effect on all of us.”
“When the bad outweighs the good, for many, whether we realize it or not, it erodes our ability to have compassion and our ability to put ourself in someone else’s shoes.
“Because when one person buys into negativity online, the effects are felt exponentially. It’s time to not only reflect, but act.”
The news comes after Piers Morgan called for the couple to be stripped of their royal titles after speaking about the US elections.
The Duchess of Sussex was a surprise guest on Michelle Obama’s When All Women Vote event on Thursday, and during a virtual speech, Meghan said “we all know what’s at stake” as she urged women to vote.
Sharing a video of Meghan’s speech on Twitter, Piers wrote: “The Queen must strip the Sussexes of their titles. They can’t remain as royals & spout off about foreign elections in such a brazenly partisan way.”
The Queen must strip the Sussexes of their titles. They can’t remain as royals & spout off about foreign elections in such a brazenly partisan way. https://t.co/6uZ3FTbjHW
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) August 21, 2020
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