Meghan Markle just made history as the first member of the royal family to vote

Meghan Markle may be known for treading new ground, but she has now officially broken a royal record. While we're still checking celebrities reactions to the election and coping with election anxiety, good news is that Meghan has indeed cast her vote. 

This momentous act marks the first time that a modern British royal has voted in a US presidential election. It was thought highly likely in the run up to election day that Californian-born Meghan would exercise her right to vote. A source close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex even told People that she “is voting in this election”. 

HOW DID MEGHAN CAST HER VOTE?

However the New York Post has now reported that Meghan did not in fact vote in person, but cast her vote early by mail. 

This voting method has grown much more popular in the US given the Covid-19 pandemic. Over 99 million people have cast their votes in advance of election day and we’re delighted that the Duchess has joined them.

DID WE EXPECT HER TO VOTE?

Meghan Markle herself has not yet confirmed the news. However, the duchess has spoken passionately about the importance of exercising your right to vote in the past. 

She and her husband Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, appeared on 2020 TIME 100 TV special in September.

The Duchess of Sussex spoke of how “when we vote, our values are put into action and our voices are heard”. She added: “Your voice is a reminder that you matter, because you do and you deserve to be heard.”

As part of her impassioned speech to American viewers, she also discussed how they are told “this is the most important election of our lifetime” every four year. 

Meghan then confirmed her belief that: “This one is”. 

DID PRINCE HARRY VOTE TOO?

In this same appearance, Prince Harry also spoke out about the restrictions placed on him as a member of the royal family. Members of the royal family do not generally vote, as it would appear unconstitutional, but he also does not have American citizenship. 

The Duke opened up, saying: “Many of you may not know that I haven’t been able to vote in the UK my entire life.” He later confirmed that he would not be able to vote in the 2020 US election either.

Though the Duke was similarly passionate, adding: “As we approach this November it's vital that we reject hate speech, misinformation and online negativity."

Sadly Harry was unable to exercise his right alongside his wife. Meghan powerfully told Marie Claire back in August: “I know what it's like to have a voice, and also what it's like to feel voiceless."

Now she has made history and exercised her right all in the same brave act.