Meghan Markle, Prince Harry Encourage Everyone to Vote During Their First Primetime TV

By Mary Anne R. First Posted: Sep 23, 2020 03:21 AM EDT

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are urging Americans to vote and make their voices heard on their first primetime TV.

The two appeared on ABC Tuesday night to celebrate TIME magazine's annual list of the world's most influential people.

The two former royals have made many virtual appearances amid the pandemic, but the TIME100 special appearance will be their first joint television appearance since stepping away from royal life.

Meghan said on the special that only six weeks left before the election, and "today is Voter Registration Day."

"Every four years, we're told, 'This is the most important election of our lifetime.' But this one is." Meghan said in a report.

Meghan noted that when people vote, "our values are put into action, and our voices are heard."

Harry also made a nonpartisan appeal to be careful about how they engage with each other online in the run-up to the Nov. 3 election. Harry said it is vital that people reject hate speech, misinformation, and online negativity.

He added that "what we consume, what we are exposed to, and what we engage with online, has a real effect on all of us."

Both Meghan and Harry were named as TIME's most influential people of 2018. Last year, TIME recognized the couple in their list of the 25 Most Influential People on the Internet.

Meghan also honored those "who gave us courage this year," such as scientists, researchers, and medical professionals, who are all leading the fight against the current pandemic.

The couple moved to Los Angeles with their one-year-old son Archie in March after stepping down from their royal positions. They recently bought a home in Santa Barbara.

The couple is now starting their behind-the-scenes careers in the TV industry after sealing a multi-year deal with Netflix.

"Our lives, both independent of each other, and as a couple have allowed us to understand the power of the human spirit: of courage, resilience, and the need for connection," the couple said in a statement they released.

Meghan and Harry also said that their focus would be on creating content that informs and gives hope. The couple added that as new parents, making inspirational family programming is also important to them as much as powerful storytelling through a truthful and relatable lens.

Meanwhile, Meghan earlier received a backlash after her recent remarks on the U.S. elections. Critics said that the Queen should strip Meghan off her royal title.

British broadcaster Piers Morgan said they could not remain as royals and speak about foreign elections in such a "brazenly partisan way."

This was in line with Meghan's participation in an online event called "When All Women Vote," with aims to urge all women to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming elections.

While she did not endorse a candidate, she said, "we all know what's at stake this year." Royal protocols dictate that the royal family members should refrain at all costs from making political comments in any way.