In a notable departure from their previous political involvement, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, were conspicuously absent from a recent high-profile campaign event for Vice President Kamala Harris. This event, hosted by media mogul Oprah Winfrey on September 20, 2024, featured a star-studded lineup of supporters but lacked the presence of the royal couple.
The Sussexes' decision to maintain a low profile in the current election cycle stands in stark contrast to their actions four years ago. In September 2020, they made a public appeal urging American voters to reject "hate speech, misinformation, and online negativity," which was widely interpreted as an endorsement of the Biden-Harris ticket.
Their current stance appears to be one of deliberate non-partisanship. The couple's only involvement in the 2024 election cycle has been through their Archewell Foundation, which issued a statement encouraging voter registration without endorsing any particular party or candidate.
"At the Archewell Foundation, we recognise that civic engagement, no matter one's political party, is at the heart of a more just and equitable world."
This shift in approach may be attributed to several factors. Meghan Markle has recently soft-launched her American Riviera Orchard brand, focusing on domestic products ranging from jams to cookbooks. This business venture likely requires a broad consumer base, making political neutrality a prudent choice.
Additionally, Prince Harry is reportedly attempting to mend relationships with the British royal family, a process that could be complicated by involvement in US politics. The couple's experience with political engagement in 2020, which drew criticism from both sides of the Atlantic, may have influenced their current strategy.
It's worth noting that the Democratic party may not be actively seeking the Sussexes' endorsement. A Democratic strategist in California commented, "With all due respect to Meghan Markle, given the star power that we have in California, she's kind of in the minor ranks of them to be honest."
As the 2024 US presidential election approaches, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex appear content to focus on their personal ventures and charitable work, leaving the political arena to others. This calculated absence from the campaign trail marks a significant shift in their public persona and may reflect a broader strategy for their life post-royal duties.