Meghan Markle Faces Backlash as She Cold-Calls US Senators to Lobby for Paid Parental Leave

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has come under fire after it was revealed that she had been cold-calling US Senators on their private numbers, using her royal title while advocating for the controversial $3.5 trillion spending bill.

The exiled UK royal, who has long been rumored to have political ambitions, surprised GOP lawmakers with unexpected calls urging them to support President Biden's proposals for federal paid parental leave, according to Politico.

One Senator, Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, received a call from a blocked number while she was driving, assuming it was Democratic Senator Joe Manchin.

Another Senator, Susan Collins of Maine, also reported receiving a call from Prince Harry's wife, who famously renounced her royal ties and accused the monarchy of racism during a bombshell TV interview.

News of these cold calls and Markle's use of her duchess title quickly sparked outrage.

Critics were quick to condemn Markle for leveraging her royal status in her lobbying efforts.

Political pundit Darren Grimes described it as further evidence that Markle and Harry had become an insufferable pair.

GB News host Colin Brazier tweeted, “If you have to cold call someone, impress them with the force of your argument.

Not by trading on the royal title of an institution you and your husband have done so much to undermine.”

Others called for the UK government to take action and remove their titles, accusing the couple of using them for political gain.

Proud royal watcher Brittany Gadhuri emphasized that while Meghan Markle, the American citizen, has the right to call senators, Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, has no place meddling in US politics.

The use of her title to influence policy in America was deemed inappropriate.

Critics also pointed out the irony of Markle using her title after her husband, like her, had to relinquish his HRH (His Royal Highness) title following their decision to step back from royal duties.

Catherine Brown sarcastically wrote, “The just-call-me-Harry moment didn't last long, did it?”

US Republican Jason Smith suggested that Markle should use her US household title when involving herself in American politics instead of her royal title.

He argued that the British royal family traditionally remains neutral when it comes to politics, and Markle's use of her royal status to exert influence in America was inappropriate.

While some defended Markle, claiming she was using her celebrity status to advocate for causes she believes in, others argued that she should stick to what she was known for before marrying Prince Harry and having children.

Representative Smith expressed his preference for Markle to be recognized for her acting career rather than her royal ties.

Senators Capito and Collins admitted they were caught off guard by Markle's calls regarding parental leave pay.

However, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York confirmed that she had given Markle the senators' numbers and had warned her colleagues to expect calls.

“I talked to each of the women senators and let them know that she's going to reach out because she only completed two of the calls,” Gillibrand revealed.

Markle had previously written an open letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, urging Congress to pass the federal paid parental leave program.

Her recent efforts to lobby US Senators directly have reignited the debate surrounding her involvement in American politics and the appropriateness of her use of her royal title.