The Duchess of Sussex has denied seeking to become a U.S. Senator, countering claims that she met with California's governor to lobby for an appointment to Kamala Harris's former Senate seat. The allegations suggest Meghan Markle pursued these political ambitions shortly before the 2020 election.
Newsom's office previously confirmed that the governor met with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on October 19, 2020, in what was described as an "introductory meeting." The specifics of their conversation remain undisclosed. According to sources cited in a New York Post report, Markle allegedly desired the meeting to be presented as a "welcome-to-California" event while also seeking the Senate seat that Harris vacated to become Vice President.
California's Secretary of State Alex Padilla was ultimately appointed to the seat and subsequently won a full six-year term in 2022. A source close to Markle stated to The Post that the Duchess did not wish to assume Harris's position.
The report also alleges that the couple sought a meeting with President Joe Biden in the Oval Office in 2021, a request that White House staff reportedly denied. Sources close to Biden indicated that the refusal was due to potential complications with the United Kingdom's prime minister and the royal family. Both President and First Lady Jill Biden allegedly wished to avoid a "family squabble," given their respect for Queen Elizabeth II.
Further claims suggest the couple inquired about traveling on Air Force One with the Bidens following the Queen's funeral, a request that was reportedly rebuffed. The report notes that the royal couple engaged consultants who had previously worked for President Barack Obama and President Biden, including former Press Secretary Jen Psaki. Prince Harry's current chief of staff, Miranda Barbot, a former Obama staffer, reportedly served as an intermediary between the couple and the White House.
A Biden source told The Post that the couple had "worn out their welcome" with the Bidens, citing their absence from Prince Harry's Invictus Games events after 2021 as evidence.
These reports emerge as speculation grows about the couple's potential return to the United Kingdom for an extended period. Their decision to enroll their children, Archie and Lilibet, in an English school suggests a recalibration of their commercial ventures in the U.S., following the conclusion of deals with Spotify and Netflix. The Duchess's series "With Love, Meghan" concluded after two seasons.
Sources close to Prince Harry have indicated his desire to spend more time in the UK with his family, following a recent reunion with King Charles. The family is reportedly expected to establish a private residence in Britain, with no intention of returning to royal duties. Buckingham Palace has maintained that their status as private individuals and non-working members of the Royal Family remains unchanged.