Channel 4 reveals an exclusive poll showing the vast majority (70%) of people think that Meghan Markle will find life in the Royal Family “constraining”. The American actress and activist has in the past been vocal on issues from Brexit to Trump. The poll, conducted by YouGov for the Channel 4 programme The Meghan Markle Effect, implies some doubt over whether the new Royal will be able to remain as outspoken. Yet a quarter of those surveyed expressed the view that the marriage of Prince Harry to Markle will possibly improve race relations in Britain.

There are many aspects to Meghan Markle that break the traditional royal mould, her mixed race heritage, feminism, politics and country of birth, the impact of which will be explored in a lively discussion to be aired on the eve of her wedding at 11pm on Friday 18th. The Meghan Markle Effect will be hosted by Fatima Manji and feature commentators Mariella Frostrup, Michelle De Swarte, Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, Harry Mount, Lemn Sissay and Susie Orbach. The discussion will take place at London’s St Giles-without-Cripplegate -the church where Oliver Cromwell got married- in front of a live audience, including a 17 year old DJ from Brixton who has partied with Harry and Meghan and a mixed race couple who also happen to be getting married on Saturday.

Alexander Gardiner, commissioning editor, said: “Channel 4 has traditionally not dealt with Royal Family affairs. The marriage of Meghan and Harry is a cultural event that is about more than just frocks and hats. This is an historical seachange for the Royals – but is it one of fabulous reinvention or does it merely stave off inevitable decline? There will be few no go areas in a discussion that promises to be lively and wide-ranging.”