The Duchess of Sussex has been secretly building links to members of the Democratic Party in a bid to anchor her political aspirations, sources close to her have revealed.
And now she and husband Prince Harry have stepped away from official royal duties, Meghan’s plan of entering the political arena is being “accelerated”.
American business associates of the Duchess say that the former actress has been “building a network of contacts and supporters” in the political world since arriving in Los Angeles last March.
At the very top of Meghan’s speed dial list is Michelle Obama, who was First Lady to President Barack Obama, from 2008 to 2016.
The source said: “Michelle has been giving Meghan and Harry guidance on a variety of issues from public and political perception, building charities and working within the Netflix family.”
While the arrangement is “informal” and on a “friendship” basis, the source says the Sussexes have spoken to the Obamas several times over the past few months.
The Duchess was earlier rumoured to be considering a White House bid, as she possesses “all the qualities” required of a strong candidate – but would “struggle” with the scrutiny of politics, according to her biographer Tom Bower.
After the Sussexes left the royal family due to their “toxic” relationship with the British press that was “destroying” their mental health, it would be puzzling for Meghan to reopen her life to media perusal.
The couple’s reach has vastly expanded in the aftermath of their bombshell Oprah Winfrey interview with many influential Democrats “sitting up and noticing” Meghan’s power to communicate and reach the world.
It was talk show host Oprah who introduced her close friend Mrs Obama to Meghan, who hit it off thanks to their shared passions for women empowerment and girls education.
Another source claims that former Secretary of State and First Lady Hillary Clinton was also supportive of the Sussexes in their transition to the US, with her former advisors “opening the door for assistance when needed.”
The source said: “Meghan is gathering high profile allies in the Democratic Party and positioning herself towards becoming politically active in the not too distant future.
“She feels that by entering into the political world she can really make a difference where it counts.”
Earlier this year, Meg and Harry joined forces with the woman behind Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign and the Obama’s on a US government initiative they launched called Let Girls Learn.
It was revealed the founder of the social impact agency the Invisible Hand, Genevieve Roth, had teamed up with the Duke and Duchess’ Archewell Foundation.
The LA-based source added: “It is no secret that the Sussexes’ outlook, which is unwavering, has been ‘our lives, our way’. They see themselves as very determined, inspiring pioneers in the field of modern day figures in the public eye.
“They do not feel that supporting charities, being vocal about politics or concerns should have impacted how they stood as royals.
“Now they are free of the constraints of the Royal Family it has opened the door to a speedier entrance into the political arena.”
Other supporters of the Sussexes, with huge reach in the Democratic Party, include George and Amal Clooney and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
“Harry and Meghan are not doing things in any conventional way in any aspect of their lives and careers,” the source continued.
“While others take years to break into aspects of society and political circles, this couple have smashed through all barriers.
“Meghan has impressed with her purpose and brave desire to speak her truth.
“Certainly speaking out against her in-laws and their courtiers took guts and showed she is not afraid to voice her beliefs, no matter the implications.
‘That interview really resonated with Democrat leaders. Not only did they see a woman have poise, control, believability and relatable emotion, but also someone whose words reached all communities across the country.
“For the party she is a potential vessel, who they know shares many of their beliefs. If she is not considering an immediate entrance into politics, certainly having her support for certain candidates is huge…a real endorsement. And that is why many Democratic officials are interested in working with Meghan. Conversations and alliances are already growing.”
Meghan has a number of allies in international political circles, such as Jessica Mulroney, the daughter-in-law of ex-Canadian PM, Brian Mulroney, as well as being friendly with current Canadian PM Justin Trudeau.
Last month former FLOTUS Michelle defended the Duke and Duchess Of Sussex.
Addressing the allegations aired during Oprah Winfrey’s interview, Michelle said that Prince Harry and Markle’s’ racial experience within royal circles was “no surprise” – adding she hopes the Queen’s relatives will learn from the scandal.
Obama spoke out to support Meghan insisting that she could relate to the treatment of feeling like an outsider within a big institution.
Michelle added to TV show Today that the Sussex’s revelations of public life during Oprah Winfrey’s interview may now be a “teachable moment.”
She was asked on camera by host Jenna Bush Hager about allegations of racism Meghan raised in the interview, later seconded by Harry, over a family member who was “concerned” how dark Archie’s skin could have turn out to be.
Michelle responded: “As I said before, race isn’t a new construct in this world for people of colour, and so it wasn’t a complete surprise to hear her feelings and to have them articulated.
“I think the thing that I hope for, and the thing I think about, is that this, first and foremost, is a family. I pray for forgiveness and healing for them so that they can use this as a teachable moment for us all.”
The former First Lady has previously spoken about feelings of loneliness during her time in the White House and was asked what she thought when hearing Meghan share the same sentiments.
“Public service, it’s a bright, sharp, hot spotlight, and most people don’t understand it, and nor should they,” she said.
“The thing that I always keep in mind is that none of this is about us in public service. It’s about the people that we serve.
“I always try to push the light back out and focus it on the folks that we are actually here to serve.”
The Sussexes, who also have a deal with Netflix similar to the Obamas, have routinely spoken of their commitment to public service.
The Obamas struck up a close relationship with Harry even before his marriage to Meghan, with Michelle helping him kick off the Invictus Games in Florida after dining with him and Prince William at Kensington Palace.
Barack then later visited him when the games were held in Toronto, where they were pictured laughing and smiling together amongst the crowds.
