Meghan Markle Faces Backlash for Phone Call to US Senators, Using Royal Title

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are gearing up for a hectic week as they strive to maintain the spotlight on Brand Sussex, according to royal expert Jack Royston.

The couple's agenda includes an event with Wired magazine, followed by the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum Awards in New York on Wednesday.

Additionally, Meghan, 40, is set to make an appearance on the New York Times Deal book audio series on Tuesday, November 9.

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that Meghan personally reached out to Republican senators, urging them to support the inclusion of paid family leave in a £1.3 billion social spending and climate policy bill.

West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito received a call from Meghan, initially mistaking it for a fellow senator due to the blocked caller ID.

Senator Capito recounted the conversation, stating, “I thought it was Senator Joe Manchin.

His calls come in blocked.

And she goes, Senator Capito?

I said, yes.

She said, this is Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.”

Meghan also reportedly contacted moderate Republican Susan Collins, who was surprised to receive a call on her private line.

Collins commented, “She introduced herself as the Duchess of Sussex, which is kind of ironic.

I was happy to talk with her, but I'm more interested in what the people of Maine are telling me about it.”

While many Americans may agree with Meghan's stance on paid family leave, there has been criticism regarding her use of her British royal title to influence top congressional leaders.

Some argue that it is off-putting, pretentious, and historically tone-deaf for a California resident to utilize her connection to British royalty while commenting on American social and political matters.

It is worth noting that Americans fought for independence from British royalty during the revolution in 1776.

Criticism of Meghan's open letter advocating for paid family leave was directed at East Bay representative Eric Swalwell on Twitter.

The letter, signed as “Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex” and printed on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex letterhead, drew backlash on social media.

Users questioned why Meghan continues to use her royal title in America to make political statements, considering her separation from the royal family last year.

One Twitter user, Impties, expressed their disbelief, stating, “The Duchess of Sussex campaigning politically sounds ridiculous in America 2021 and highly inappropriate for a British royal.”

This is not the first time Meghan has introduced herself with her royal title.

In a video reading of her children's book, The Bench, filmed for Brightly Story Time, she begins by saying, “I am Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.”

While some commentators found this introduction unnecessary and questioned whether other royals, such as Catherine or Sophie, have done the same, many fans defended Meghan's choice, arguing that it made sense for her to use her title.

As Meghan and Harry navigate their busy schedule and face criticism for their use of royal titles, the couple continues to make headlines and spark debate on both sides of the Atlantic.