An American senator has mocked Meghan Markle saying she’s “more interested" in what her constituents have to say after the Duchess of Sussex cold-called her.
The former senior royal took it upon herself to lobby Republican politicians as she pushed them to include paid parental leave and a climate policy by the US Government.
Calling senators Shelley Moore Capito and Susan Collins on a withheld number, when they answered the phone they were told: “This is Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.”
The 40-year-old’s intervention has reignited calls for her to be stripped of her royal title after again breaching Buckingham Palace protocol by involving herself in politics.
When it was announced she and Prince Harry, 37, were to leave step down from public duties, a statement from the couple said they would "continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty".
Recalling her call, Senator for Maine Collins said: "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.
"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 said she was the wheel when her phone went.
"I’m in my car. I’m driving. It says ‘caller ID blocked’," the senator recounted.
“I thought it was Senator (Joe) Manchin. His calls come in blocked. And she goes, 'Senator Capito?' I said, 'Yes?' She said, 'This is Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.'"
Both senators said Meghan pushed for them to adopt a policy to ensure Americans received paid leave after having a baby.
The Duchess had been given their mobile numbers by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
The Democrat said she had also provided the Duchess with several others who she is yet to call.
Gillibrand said: "I talked to each of the women senators and let them know that she's going to reach out because she only completed two of the calls.
“She's going to call some others, so I let them know in advance.
"She (Meghan) wants to be part of a working group to work on paid leave long term and she's going to be.
"Whether this comes to fruition now or later, she'll be part of a group of women that hopefully will work on paid leave together.”
Meghan's intervention in politics lead many to call for her to be stripped of her Duchess title for not upholding the impartiality of the royal family to which they still belong.
One Twitter user wrote: “This is wholly inappropriate and an abuse of her title - which should be stripped.”
Another added: “ Meghan Markle announcing herself as Duchess of Sussex called multiple Republican senators lobbying to support a massive social spending bill in US Senate. Royal protocol? She should be stripped of her title if she wants to continue this practice.”
Last month, the Duchess, who lives with Prince Harry and their two children in an £11million Californian mansion, posted a letter to Congress pushing for paid family leave in the U.S.
She wrote: "I'm not an elected official, and I'm not a politician. I am, like many, an engaged citizen and a parent.
"And because you and your congressional colleagues have a role in shaping family outcomes for generations to come, that's why I'm writing to you at this deeply important time - as a mom - to advocate for paid leave."
She went on to discuss her upbringing painting a picture of an impoverished upbringing in California which was later criticised when people pointed to her private education paid for by her father’s lottery win.
She added: “I grew up on the $4.99 salad bar at Sizzler,' she said. 'I knew how hard my parents worked to afford this because even at five bucks, eating out was something special, and I felt lucky.
“I started working (at the local frozen yoghurt shop) at the age of 13. I waited tables, babysat, and piecemealed jobs together to cover odds and ends. I worked all my life and saved when and where I could—but even that was a luxury - because usually it was about making ends meet and having enough to pay my rent and put gas in my car.
“I expect many of your constituents have their own version of that story," she continued, before attacking the US economic system.
“Many of our economic systems are past their expiration date, and as you well know, too many Americans are forced to shortchange themselves when it comes to what matters to them," she added.
Mum-of-two Meghan then acknowledged she does not now struggle the same way other parents who are not offered paid leave do.
She added: “In June, my husband and I welcomed our second child. Like any parents, we were overjoyed. Like many parents, we were overwhelmed. Like fewer parents, we weren't confronted with the harsh reality of either spending those first few critical months with our baby or going back to work.”
Closing her letter she recognised “how politically charged things can - and have - become,” but said the issue “isn't about Right or Left, it's about right or wrong.”
Meghan’s latest intervention in US government policy has further fuelled rumours she would like to enter politics with some claiming she even has ambitions to become US president.
