The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have committed "an inappropriate act of domestic interference" in the US election, according to a Republican politician who's calling on the British government to step in.
Representative Jason Smith, a Republican from Missouri, has written to Britain's Ambassador in the United States Dame Karen Pierce expressing concern with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's "continued interference in the United States presidential election".
Harry and Meghan, an American citizen, moved to the US earlier this year after giving up senior royal duties as part of the 'Megxit' process.
Smith's letter states that the British Royal Family have "long observed a policy of strict neutrality in regard to political matters" and that he was concerned about the couple's recent comments about the election.
"Last month, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex recorded a joint broadcast urging American citizens to register to vote and to, 'reject hate speech, misinformation and online negativity'," Smith wrote.
"The Duchess of Sussex, whose political opinions are thinly disguised and widely reported, went so far as to label the 2020 election the, 'most important election of our lifetime'."
Smith said these actions amounted to a "serious breach" of the British Royal Family's policy of political neutrality and an "inappropriate act of domestic interference by one of our closest allies".
Smith goes on to say that while Prince Harry and Meghan no longer use their Royal Highness titles, they do continue to use the Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles.
While acknowledging that the Royal Family have said Harry and Meghan made their political comments in a personal capacity and are no longer working members of the family, Smith said the pair's retention of some titles means they can't separate "comments made in a personal capacity from their official position".
"Therefore, by allowing the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to retain their titles, and these political comments to continue, the British government is effectively condoning interference in the 2020 United States Presidential Election from officials at the highest level of the British establishment".
Smith concludes his letter by requesting the British government ensures the couple "no longer attempt to interfere in our election or be stripped of all titles, styles and privileges". He wants his wishes conveyed to Queen Elizabeth II.
While the Queen makes decisions regarding royal titles, she also acts on advice of the British government.
Harry and Meghan made the call for Americans to reject hate speech in September as part of a live, televised broadcast for Time magazine. Afterwards, royal aides immediately began anonymously speaking to media, saying the comments likely broke protocols set out during their famous Megxit negotiations at Sandringham in January.
While the pair haven't explicitly referenced a particular party or presidential candidate - something a spokesperson for the Sussexes has since reiterated - commentators have suggested their remarks for people to reject misinformation and negativity could be a dig at US President Donald Trump. Trump has repeatedly been accused of spreading both.
The US President has addressed the pair's comments.
"I'm not a fan of [Markle], and would say this... I wish a lot of luck to Harry, because he's gonna need it," Trump responded when a reporter questioned him about the Duchess.
It's not the first time Markle has been accused of getting too involved in US politics.
In August, British broadcaster Piers Morgan demanded the pair be stripped of their titles after Markle spoke at a virtual event organised by a group launched by former First Lady Michelle Obama.
"We vote to honour those who came before us and protect those who will come after us, because that's what community is all about. That's specifically what this election is all about," she said.
"We're only 75 days away from election day and that is so very close and yet there is so much work to be done in that amount of time, because we all know what's at stake this year. I know it. I think all of you certainly know it and if you are here on this fun event with us, then you are just as mobilised and energised to see the change that we all need and deserve."
Markle has previously called Trump misogynistic and divisive. Before visiting the United Kingdom last year, the US President called Markle "very nice", but also said she had been "nasty to me".
