Meghan defends herself

Duchess Meghan Under Fire For Being Too Political

A few weeks back, Duchess Meghan wrote a letter to the US Congress asking that paid parental leave be considered for all American citizens. Critics, however, say that Meghan's behaviour is inappropriate and too political for a member of the British Royal Family. She has now addressed that criticism in a new summit appearance.

Duchess Meghan is currently facing criticism because, in a letter to the US Congress, she asked for paid parental leave for all Americans. But critics suggest that her behaviour has gone too far into politics — a big no-no for members of the Royal Family.

Duchess Meghan talks paid parental leave at NYT summit

Now, Prince Harry's wife took part in a New York Times summit and made it clear that she was not using her royal title for political activism. Paid parental leave is about something completely different, she says.

Duchess Meghan was a speaker in the "Minding the Gap" section of the Nov. 9 summit. In her speech, she stated: "I don't see this as a political issue, frankly.

"Look, there is certainly a precedent amongst my husband's family and the Royal Family of not having any involvement in politics but paid leave, from my standpoint, is a humanitarian issue."

In the talk, Meghan said that Prince Harry likes to say, "with great privilege comes great responsibility," and she too has always stood up for what she believes is right. So she started making calls on the issue for new parents.

Recently, Politico broke the story that Meghan placed phone calls regarding paid parental leave to various US senators. On this act, she explained: "I think this is one of those issues that is not red or blue.

"We can all agree that people need support certainly when they've just had a child," Meghan said, referencing the American political divide between the Republicans and Democrats.

According to the Suits actress, "the US is one of only six countries in the entire world that doesn't offer any form of national paid leave."

It now remains to be seen if Duchess Meghan's ambitious commitment to paid parental leave will have an effect for all — or any — American citizens.