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

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