The former Duchess of Sussex was a surprise guest on Michelle Obama’s When All Women Vote virtual event. The former First Lady’s project was aimed at women in the US with the hope of increasing voter turnout on November 3. After leaving the Royal Family on March 31, Meghan has been more outspoken about political issues, such as racism and voting.
Meghan told American women at the event “if you are complacent” and don’t vote, “you’re complicit”.
She also described woman voting in the US as “part of a legacy”.
Meghan added: “We can make a difference in this election and we will make the difference in this election.
“I think it’s an exciting day, because it is the countdown to the change that we would all like to see for the better for our country.”
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The former Duchess pointed to women’s suffrage in the US, and said that women in different communities are “still struggling to see that right come to fruition”.
She said: “We look at the attempts of voter suppression and what that’s doing, all the more reason we need each of you to be out there supporting each other to understand that this fight is worth fighting and we all have to be out there mobilising to have our voices heard.
“I think we are obviously faced with a lot of problems in our world right now, both in the physical world and in the digital world, but we can and must do everything we can to ensure all women have their voices heard.
“Because at this juncture, if we aren’t part of the solution, we are part of the problem.
“If you aren’t going out there and voting, then you’re complicit.”
Despite the controversy, a source close to Meghan told the Mirror that her appearance for When All Women Vote is about empowering women instead of supporting a candidate.
Meghan previously claimed she will be participating in the November 3 US election, despite members of the Royal Family traditionally not voting.
It is considered unconstitutional for the Royal Family to vote, despite there being no UK law banning it.
Prince Harry will also not be taking part in the US election, as he remains a UK citizen.
Meghan has been outspoken about the importance of voting, and said to Marie Claire earlier this month it is a “fundamental right”.
She added: “I know what it’s like to have a voice, and also what it’s like to feel voiceless.
“I also know that so many men and women have put their lives on the line for us to be heard.
She was also previously said to be “frustrated” at the apolitical stance of the Royal Family.
The Daily Mail quoted sources close to Meghan who said she “has strong political opinions and will now take advantage of the greater freedom she has to express them publicly” after her departure in March.
