Prince Harry has shed light on a surprisingly ordinary activity that no member of the royal family has ever been permitted to experience.
The list of rules and restrictions imposed on the royals is notoriously long, dictating everything from their public appearances to personal hobbies.
For example, Meghan Markle recently opened up about having to shut down her lifestyle blog, The Tig, when she officially joined the royal family.
While announcing the launch of her new brand, As Ever, the Duchess of Sussex reflected on how marriage to Prince Harry significantly changed her ability to share her personal interests with the world.
Speaking on Instagram, she shared: “I haven’t been able to share it with you in the same way for the past few years, but now I can. So, as things are starting to trickle out there, I wanted you to hear it from me first.”
Meanwhile, at the Upfront Summit in California, Prince Harry touched on something he has never been permitted to do in the UK.
During his speech, the 40-year-old remarked: “I’m not one to be caught in the divide between left or right views, not cornered by a belief in blue or red. Hell, I’ve never even been allowed to vote.”
Reflecting on his past, he added: “From my institutional role travelling the world to my decade of duties in the military, I saw the power of serving others firsthand.”
For those wondering why members of the royal family refrain from voting, Sky News’ Alistair Bruce clarified the tradition, stating simply: “Traditionally, they do not [vote].”
“This rule primarily exists to maintain the Royal Family’s politically neutral stance in their support of the monarch. Additionally, in the past, royal dukes—many of whom were male members of the family—were legally barred from voting because they held seats as peers in the House of Lords,” he explained.
He further noted, “When the Royal Family agreed to relinquish their rights to sit and speak in the House of Lords in 1999, this restriction on voting technically no longer applied.”
Reflecting on his move to the United States, Prince Harry reiterated that service remains at the core of his actions.
“As a father… and as someone born into a life dedicated to service, I understand that power and influence come with responsibility,” he stated.
The Duke of Sussex also stressed that his main priority continues to be “protecting our collective mental health.”