5 political posts by Meghan Markle, from Brexit to menstruation shame

Meghan Markle might be a US television actress and Prince Harry's girlfriend, but the humanitarian doesn't hold back when it comes to her opinions on current affairs and politics.

The 35-year-old actress – who is a Global Ambassador for World Vision Canada and has worked with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women – has strong views she cares to share with her online following. Here are a few times Markle made her stance on social media.

Anti-Brexit Instagram post

Aside from gorgeous selfies and pictures of food and flowers, Markle often shares her views via the picture social media sharing site Instagram. In the week of the British referendum – 42 weeks ago – Markle posted an image of a crowd holding up pro-EU placards with the caption: 'If EU leave me now you take away the biggest part of me'. Markle's subtle plea for the UK to vote remain came while she was visiting London before she embarked on a relationship with Harry. Best not mention this to Boris...

Gender equality photoshoot

Markle has always been an advocate for women's rights, and in March 2017, she joined other global leaders such as Emma Watson and Canadian President Justin Trudeau to celebrate the great work men and women are doing across the globe to support gender equality. Back in October 2016, the actress posed alongside the influencers in a photoshoot during the One Young World Summit in Ottawa, Canada, which was featured in the April edition of Vanity Fair. Markle posted a picture on Instagram of the event alongside Trudeau.

Period chat

March appeared to be a particularly outspoken month for Markle as she also penned the essay Periods Affect Potential for Time magazine. Her feelings on the subject were prompted by a visit to India in January 2017 where she spent time with young women missing out on parts of their education due to lack of sanitation and the stigma surrounding menstruation. She said: "The stigma surrounding menstruation and lack of access to proper sanitation directly inhibit young women from pursuing an education."

#ImWithHer

Just like the tonne of celebrities including Kendall Jenner, Madonna and Beyoncé, Markle wasn't shy about sharing who got her vote in the US general election. And it wasn't Donald Trump.

Encouraging fans to vote

Markle is one of the rare celebrities that has used her platform for good. Ever the role model, the Suits star told her 1.6m followers to make sure they could vote in the US presidential election, telling them: "Exercise your right to vote – sadly, not everyone in this world has it, so if you do, please let your voice be heard. #bethechange".

Be a rebel

Certainly not one to evade individualism – Markle also told followers, many of whom are young and impressionable, not to conform to society's pressures in a subtle yet uplifting inspirational post. Just 19 weeks ago, she posted a shot which read the words: "In a society that profits from your self doubt, liking yourself is a rebellious act." Poignant! Don't think her and Harry will ever run out of conversation...