Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, 42, may have new political ambitions, according to rumors and speculation.
Markle has reportedly been forging connections with top Democrats since stepping back from royal duties in 2020. There have been speculations about her intentions to enter politics, with Valerie Biden Owens, sister of President Joe Biden, in 2023 expressing support for Markle for a potential future White House bid. Owens, a political strategist who has worked with her brother’s campaign, has indicated that Markle could be a strong candidate. Markle has been tied with Vice President Kamala Harris in polls, ahead of former First Lady Hillary Clinton.
Despite these political aspirations, some believe Markle may be prioritizing financial success rather than public service. Paul Burrell, the late Princess Diana’s former butler, voiced his view that Markle’s intentions may not lie in politics but rather in commercial ventures. Burrell contends that Markle is leveraging her royal status for commercial gain, an action allegedly against the wishes of the late Queen Elizabeth.
While Markle pursues new ventures, her husband, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, 39, faces challenges within the British royal family. Prince Harry has been estranged from his family since the couple stepped down from their royal duties. Burrell asserts that Harry is “holding out hope for a new chapter” when his brother, Prince William, becomes king. However, Burrell emphasizes that Harry may be too distant from the family to return to a full-time role.
The strained relations between Prince Harry and his family have persisted. During a recent visit to London, Harry did not meet with any royal family members, reportedly staying at a hotel instead of a royal residence. King Charles III was reportedly “too busy” to meet with his youngest son, further indicating the rift in the family.
The possibility of a reconciliation between Prince Harry and the rest of the royal family remains uncertain. Burrell said that Prince William values privacy and stability, which he perceives as difficult to maintain with Harry present. Furthermore, Burrell described Harry as a potentially “destructive” force to the royal family.
The tension between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family has drawn public attention, particularly in the context of Markle’s potential political ambitions.
Historical examples of celebrities transitioning to politics include Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronald Reagan. Schwarzenegger served as California’s 38th governor, while Reagan, a former actor, became the 40th president of the United States.
However, challenges lie ahead for Markle if she chooses to pursue a political career. The strained relationship between the Sussexes and the royal family has created a complex public image for the couple. Additionally, the denial of their request to travel on Air Force One after Queen Elizabeth’s funeral suggests a lack of support from the current U.S. administration.
Despite the challenges, Meghan Markle’s political aspirations reflect a shift in her career focus since leaving the royal family. Her ability to transition to a political role remains to be seen, as public perception and her personal priorities will play significant roles in her potential candidacy.
