Meghan Markle 'couldn't wait to vote in US election' despite royal protocol

Meghan Markle couldn't wait to vote in the US election despite it breaching royal protocol, it has been claimed.

It is understood the Duchess of Sussex voted early by mail, having spent the last few months urging her fellow Americans to make their vote count.  

She is believed to be the first ever royal to vote in an election.

Members of the Firm are legally allowed to vote, but they don't as the monarchy is meant to be politically neutral.

But since quitting their senior roles and moving to the US, Meghan and Prince Harry have spoken openly about politics.

A source told Page Six: "Meghan was an American long before she was a royal. She wouldn’t miss voting in this election no matter where she was living."

King Edward VIII's intention to marry divorcée and socialite Wallis Simpson caused a constitutional crisis that led to his abdication.

Like Meghan, Mrs Simpson was also born in America but it is unclear if she ever voted.

Speaking to ABC for its Time100 special in September, the former Hollywood actress said: "Every four years, we’re told, ‘This is the most important election of our lifetime.’ But this one is. When we vote, our values are put into action, and our voices are heard."

Harry, meanwhile, said: "Many of you may not know that I haven’t been able to vote in the UK my entire life."

He courted some controversy by adding: "As we approach this November, it’s vital that we reject hate speech, misinformation and online negativity.

"What we consume, what we are exposed to, and what we engage with online, has a real effect on all of us."

This was deemed by some to have been an endorsement for Democrat Joe Biden.

Royal aides told The Sunday Times at the time that the remarks may have broken the terms of their 'Megxit' arrangement, leaving the Royal Family "wringing their hands".

Following their bombshell quitting statement in January, the Queen, Charles and William laid out a list of logistical terms for the Sussexes' new non-royal lives.

In agreeing to it the couple vowed to ensure "everything they do will uphold the values of Her Majesty", which includes remaining politically neutral.

"The feeling is it's a violation of the agreement,' one source said.

They suggested that a breach of the agreement would likely hinder Harry's chances of renewing his connections with the military posts he holds dear, such as the Royal Marines.

Harry and Meghan moved to a nine-bedroom, 16-bathroom home in Santa Barbara, California, that they bought in June for $14.65 million, in July.

California is Meghan's home state.