Speculation that Meghan Markle could step into U.S. politics surged after the death of longtime California senator Dianne Feinstein in September 2023. Some British outlets, including the Mail on Sunday, floated the idea that the Duchess of Sussex might be considered as Feinstein’s temporary replacement until the 2024 elections. Headlines suggested Meghan could even harbor presidential ambitions. However, according to Newsweek, there was never any realistic chance of Meghan being appointed.
California Governor Gavin Newsom ultimately selected Laphonza Butler, president of Emily’s List, a Democratic group that supports pro-choice women candidates. While Feinstein represented the kind of progressive politics Meghan has often admired, the duchess was never viewed as a serious contender for the seat.
That said, Meghan’s name in the political conversation is not entirely baseless. In 2021, she actively campaigned for Paid Leave for All, personally phoning Republican senators like Shelley Moore Capito and Susan Collins to advocate for national paid family leave. She also aligned with Democratic causes, including Michelle Obama’s When All Women Vote initiative in 2020, and had previously spoken out against Donald Trump.
Yet her royal titles remain a major stumbling block. Meghan retains the style of Duchess of Sussex, and critics argue that entering American politics while holding a British royal title could spark fierce backlash. Republican lawmakers already raised concerns in 2020, with Missouri Representative Jason Smith writing to Queen Elizabeth II, asking her to strip Meghan and Prince Harry of their titles due to their political remarks. Even if Meghan voluntarily renounced her title, questions would persist as long as Harry and their children remained styled as royals.
Adding intrigue, Meghan reportedly met with Governor Newsom in 2020, when he was weighing a replacement for Kamala Harris after she became Vice President. Newsom chose Alex Padilla instead, and it remains unclear whether Meghan was seriously considered at the time.
Ultimately, while Meghan has dipped her toes into activism and advocacy, the practical and political complications of being both a duchess and a U.S. senator make her candidacy highly unlikely. The resurfaced speculation underscores her complicated position between Hollywood celebrity, royal identity, and political ambition — but for now, “Senator Markle” remains a headline fantasy rather than a real prospect.
