Meghan, Duchess of Sussex Lobbied For Family Leave Inclusion Into Biden's Bill

She didn't get her royal title from America, but that hasn't stopped the Duchess of Sussex from weighing in on an ongoing US political debate. Meghan this week reportedly cold-called Republican Senators to advocate for paid family leave - now a sticking point in a major spending bill.

Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine was not expecting the call, her spokeswoman commented on Friday. West Virginia's Shelley Moore Capito was also called. Ms. Collins may not have appreciated the royal intervention.

"Much to my surprise, she called me on my private line and she introduced herself as the Duchess of Sussex, which is kind of ironic," Senator Collins commented. "I was happy to talk with her. But I'm more interested in what the people of Maine are telling me about it."

Senator Capito told Politico she had received the call while in the car. Seeing a blocked number, Ms Capito thought it was Democratic Senator Joe Manchin, a fellow West Virginian. "I'm in my car. I'm driving. It says caller ID blocked. Honestly... I thought it was Senator Manchin. His calls come in blocked. And she goes 'Senator Capito?' I said, 'Yes.' She said, 'This is Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex," Ms. Capito recounted.

"I'm writing to you at this deeply important time - as a mom - to advocate for paid leave," she said. "The working mom or parent is facing the conflict of being present or being paid. The sacrifice of either comes at a great cost."

British royals are traditionally expected to remain politically neutral. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who stepped down as senior royals in March 2020, have been living in California.