While British royals traditionally shy away from political engagement, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got into civic trouble again in the United States.

In a recent statement ahead of the crucial US presidential election, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex encouraged Americans to make sure they are registered to vote.

While they stopped short of endorsing any candidate, their involvement is reminiscent of the backlash they faced during the 2020 election for endorsing “hate speech” in what was widely interpreted as a criticism to the then president, Donald Trump.

In a 2020 video for Time 100, Meghan and Harry urged voters to take a stand against hate and misinformation – a move seen by some as a sign of support for Joe Bidensparking criticism and accusations of breaching the Sandringham Summit agreement.

At the time, royal advisers told The Sunday Times that the remarks had left the firm “wringing its hands”.

A source said: “The feeling is that it is a breach of the agreement.”

The agreement, established when the couple stepped back from their royal duties, stipulated that they would not interfere in political affairs.

Following the couple’s video message, then-President Trump publicly expressed his disapproval, saying he was “not a fan” of Meghan.

Since moving to the US, Meghan has not shied away from American civic issues.

In 2021, she contacted US senators to support paid parental leave, posing as the Duchess of Sussex.

She also joined feminist icon Gloria Steinem in voter relations, calling on Americans to vote.

Steinem later noted Meghan’s enthusiasm, particularly for his historic candidacy Kamala Harris as vice president.

In the run-up to the current election cycle, Harry and Meghan have chosen a more restrained approach.

Through the Archewell Foundation, they recently celebrated National Voter Registration Day with a neutral, nonpartisan message emphasizing voter engagement as a fundamental civic duty.

Their team used the Vote Forward letter-writing tool to encourage unregistered voters, emphasizing the importance of each voice in shaping the nation’s future.

“Voting is not just a right; it is a fundamental way to influence the fate of our communities”, reads the message of the Archewell Foundation.

“At the Archewell Foundation, we recognize that civic engagement, regardless of political party, is at the heart of a more just and equitable world.”