Daily Archives: November 24, 2020

One unexpected development from Meghan Markle's post-royal life has been her involvement in US politics.

The Duchess of Sussex made history by voting in the US election, something royals don't typically participate in as they are supposed to remain politically neutral.

The spokesperson added that the coupe will continue to speak about politics after the election.

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However, the duchess likely wouldn't have spoken about the election if she had remained a senior working member of the royal family, according to royal experts.

Royal experts believe that Markle would have been able to vote in the US election even if she had never resigned. However, she wouldn't have been allowed to speak about it publicly.

"If Meghan and Harry hadn't stepped back from the royal family, it would have been very tough for her," Nigel Cawthorne, author of "Prince Andrew: Epstein, Maxwell and the Palace," told Insider. "The palace would not under any circumstances have allowed her to take a public stance on the US elections, given the hyper-sensitive role of the Queen as Britain's head of state and Britain's special relationship with the US."

"This time of year would have been extremely difficult for Meghan and she would have had to bite her tongue on many occasions," he added.

Markle's comment about the US election being "the most important election of our lifetime" was criticized by the British tabloids, and spurred President Trump to say that he is "not a fan of hers" back in September.

"The neutrality that the British sovereign and the HRHs have in the UK is for the British government. Voting in the US election does not violate that neutrality," Koenig said.

"The duchess believes that it is important to take part in the democratic process, that includes promoting civic engagement and voting in elections. That's what inspired her to encourage others, especially women, to make sure their voice is heard by casting their ballot," the source said.

A source close to Harry and Markle previously told Insider that they didn't endorse a political candidate because they are aware of "a line" that could be crossed as members of the royal family.

"It would be a change in the way the family has always operated," the source said.

It is unknown if the Duke of Sussex has plans to vote in the next UK election. Either way, royal expert Sydney Zatz believes Harry will keep his decision private.

"I think Harry will do the same as Meghan and continue to use his platform to be an activist. I think out of respect for his family, he will keep things hush but I do believe in his private life that he is going to have a more active role since he has stepped back," Zatz, a reporter at Royal Central, told Insider.

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Meghan Markle is encouraging women to get involved with politics but she had to step back from royal life fo - Business Insider India

Naval Air Station Key West officials honored military working dog Jessy for her service at a retirement ceremony on Nov. 5.

Capt. Mark Sohaney, commanding officer of NAS Key West, presented Jessy with a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and a Certificate of Meritorious Service at the ceremony held on the air stations Boca Chica Field, according to a news release.

Jessy received a standard MWD retirement certificate, said Danette Baso Silvers, an NAS Key West spokeswoman, in an email to Military Times.

But that wasnt all.

At the discretion of Commanding Officer Capt. Mark Sohaney, she was presented with a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for her six years of outstanding performance and loyalty as a U.S. Navy Military Working Dog and her protection of her 10 handlers while at Naval Air Station Key West, Silvers said.

Jessy has worked with 10 different canine handlers in her time at NAS Key West on assignments including two overseas deployments, 38 presidential missions, and Fleet Week New York City.

In her most recent assignment, the nine-year-old Belgian Malinois and her handler were on standby in New York City to serve the hospital ship Comfort at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Before being stationed at NAS Key West in 2014, Jessy was trained for patrolling and explosives detection at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, the new release stated.

Jessys record is pretty standard for a MWD with her tenure and qualifications, said Silvers.

What stands out about Jessy is she and her then-handler, Master-at-Arms 1st Class Robert Calabro, were on a Presidential mission in New York City when COVID-19 hit the city, said Silvers. Their month-long assignment turned into two months. While they were in New York City, U.S. Navy Hospital Ship Comfort pulled into port and MA1 Calabro and Jessy were on standby if the ships crew needed their services.

Following her retirement, Jessy was adopted by canine handler Master-at-Arms 1st Class Joshua Schellenger, his wife Jessica and son Kyle.

My wife and I decided to adopt Jessy and blend her into our family, said Schellenger, who was never Jessys handler. We have a toddler and a 3-year-old German Shepard. We were nervous at first, but everyone is getting along great and Jessy is enjoying her retirement.

Jessy has been a blessing to our family and a joy to our lives, Schellenger added. We pray for many healthy and happy years to come.

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This very good girl was awarded a medal at her retirement ceremony at NAS Key West - NavyTimes.com