Meghan Markle is reportedly encouraging Prince Harry to pursue a career in politics and "challenge the institution that once silenced him," according to reports. The Duchess of Sussex has urged her husband to use his proximity to the Royal Family to "become a global powerhouse" rather than simply "cutting ribbons and making speeches at charity events," a source said.
Harry and Meghan have faced criticism over their apparent pursuit of a "half in, half out" arrangement with the Firm since moving back to the UK in August, a hybrid role expressly forbidden by Queen Elizabeth II. The duke has made several high-profile philanthropic appearances in recent months, including attending the WellChild Awards and embarking on a quasi-royal visit to Nottingham with his wife.
Ambitions Beyond Royal Duties
The source told Rob Shuter's Naughty But Nice Substack blog: "Meghan wants Harry to think bigger... She wants him influencing presidents, challenging politicians and becoming a global powerhouse."
"She can't understand why the royals are expected to stay out of politics. She thinks Harry should be free to speak his mind - and she loves the idea of him challenging the institution that once silenced him."
Tensions between the Sussexes and Buckingham Palace escalated shortly after their return to Britain, with Harry and Meghan's camp challenging King Charles's assertion that they should be considered "private citizens." A spokesperson for the duke and duchess said they were "surprised" by the clarification, reportedly preferring the term "public figures."
European Parliament Speech
Speculation that Harry is considering a career in politics follows his solo address to the European Parliament this week on children's online safety. He said he was there as a "father" and Meghan "as a mother," rather than as "experts or politicians."
Meghan was originally expected to speak alongside him but pulled out because she was not "strong enough emotionally" after allegations surrounding her father surfaced last month. Thomas Markle was arrested for allegedly possessing child sex abuse material, including images of himself with naked young girls.
Family Challenges and Investigations
Meghan said she was "deeply distressed" at the accusations against her father, from whom she has been estranged since the run-up to her 2018 wedding. She revealed she was sent a letter via the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection in 2019 which made "troubling and disturbing allegations" about her father, but she was given assurances they were being investigated.
The Met has admitted it never shared the details with other law enforcement agencies, with the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, now investigating the force's conduct. The duchess had wanted to "speak out" immediately after reading the letter but police advised her against this, sources said.
Harry told the European Parliament on Monday that children "deserve to feel safe wherever they are," as the duchess appeared alongside him in her first public appearance since her father's arrest.
