As the United States gears up for its presidential elections, former British Royals Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have received advice from ex-Republican Congressman Charlie Dent. Dent, who served in the House of Representatives from 2005 to 2018, suggests that the Sussexes should refrain from taking sides in the highly polarized White House race. He believes that celebrity endorsements hold less sway over voters than commonly perceived.
Harry and Meghan’s absence from the star-studded Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week was notable, especially considering their history of vocal opinions on US politics. Dent has cautioned the couple to proceed with caution, stating that their political views may not hold significant interest for most Americans.
During an interview with GB News, Dent expressed his belief that the majority of Americans are not particularly invested in the political opinions of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, whether concerning American or British politics. He drew a comparison to the British monarchy, highlighting the tradition of royal neutrality in politics. While acknowledging that Queen Elizabeth II generally adhered to this principle, he noted that Prince Charles has occasionally deviated from it.
Dent emphasized that he doesn’t believe many Americans are particularly interested in the political stances of Harry and Meghan. He also expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of political endorsements in the US, arguing that politicians may overestimate their influence. He went on to suggest that endorsements can sometimes backfire, potentially alienating voters and harming the brand of the endorser.
In the context of a deeply divided country, Dent advises the Royals to exercise caution when taking sides on political issues. He cautions that taking a stand that half the country opposes could hinder their efforts to promote their causes.
Dent’s advice to the Sussexes is to be circumspect in their political engagements. He observed that the couple’s popularity in the UK seems to be waning, suggesting that they should be mindful of potential negative reactions in the US as well. He advises them to avoid actions that could further diminish their popularity in either country.
