Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have risked controversy by entering political debate ahead of this November’s presidential election.

The Duke of Sussex urged people in the US to ‘reject hate speech’ and vote in the country’s upcoming presidential election.

While the duchess, who mocked then-Republican candidate Donald Trump during a 2016 television appearance, said the November poll was the ‘most important election of our lifetime’.

The couple made their comments during a live video, seemingly from their California home, as part of the Time 100, a list compiled by the magazine to celebrate the world’s most influential people.

“As we approach this November, it’s vital that we reject hate speech, misinformation and online negativity,” Harry said as he sat on a bench alongside the duchess.

He also reminded Americans to be discerning in terms of the content they consume online.

Harry said: “When the bad outweighs the good, for many, whether we realise it or not, it erodes our ability to have compassion and our ability to put ourself in someone else’s shoes.

“Because when one person buys into negativity online, the effects are felt exponentially. It’s time to not only reflect, but act.”

The 36-year-old mentioned that he would not be voting in the election due to his lack of US citizenship, adding he had not - as a member of the Royal family - voted in UK elections throughout his life.

Meghan added: “When we vote, our values are put into action and our voices are heard. Your voice is a reminder that you matter, because you do and you deserve to be heard."

The duchess has made it clear she supports Mr Trump’s opponent Joe Biden, telling lawyer and feminist activist Gloria Steinem last month she was ‘so excited’ to see fellow bi-racial woman Kamala Harris selected as the Democrat’s running mate.

The couple relocated to the US after stepping down as working royals in March for financial and personal freedom.