Meghan Markle's path to the White House (and why Trump" rel="tag">Donald Trump could be an ... trends now

Meghan Markle's mantra is that women can change the world. 

And after her presidential-like visit to her adopted 'homeland' of Nigeria, her supporters increasingly believe she is destined to do it herself from the Oval Office. 

Meghan's Suits co-star Erika Alexander declared this week that the Duchess of Sussex is 'heading to the White House', predicting she is the activist and advocate for women with the courage to be the Leader of the Free World.

Experts have told MailOnline that Meghan could be just a few steps from the US Presidency - as long as she takes inspiration from one of her own most vocal critics, Donald Trump, and her British prince husband is willing to become an American. 

Eminent historian Christopher Phelps, an expert on US politics, told MailOnline today: 'It would be a great story. The British prince who loved her so much he gave up his British citizenship to become an American. There would be no requirement for him to do it - but he would have to if she wanted to have any credibility'.  

Her pseudo-royal tour to self-proclaimed 'homeland' Nigeria with Prince Harry has been viewed by some as a potential springboard for her political career. 

One insider at the top of politics in liberal California told MailOnline today that the Duchess may be plotting a Donald Trump-inspired 'queue jump' into high office - amid speculation the US Presidency could be her ultimate aim. Mr Trump used The Apprentice to boost his profile and Fox News as a platform for his political views before he won the Republican presidential nomination. He is the only American president to have no previous political service.

'She [Meghan] has her eyes on the prize', the source said.

But another politico warned: 'The buy-your-success thing is more suited as a Republican play. Meghan has political ambitions but like most celebrities or business people, they are not ready to put in the graft to get there. Maybe Oprah Winfrey could pull it off. But she's put in the hard yards in other ways. Meghan hasn't done anything'.

Professor Phelps, who teaches at the University of Nottingham in England, said parallels can be drawn between the former Suits star and ex-actor Ronald Reagan, who was Governor of California before he served as the 40th president of the United States from 1981 to 1989. Arnold Schwarzenegger also made the transition from showbiz to politics.

'Her name will open doors but you can't just say "You all know who I am - vote for me" - she will need to have some substance on policy. Americans want to know how she would protect their jobs, where she stand of tax and to tackle crime in their neighbourhoods', he said.

As speculation about her political ambitions continue, this is how the Duchess of Sussex could use her profile to build a grassroots campaign to take her to Washington - and the challenges she would face on the way.        

Step 1: Increased activism in the US after 'secret' visit to Uvalde

Experts believe that Meghan Markle's campaigning for a career in politics began when she turned up in Uvalde after tragedy struck. 

Ms Markle was spotted in May 2022 laying a bouquet of white roses at a makeshift memorial outside the Uvalde County Courthouse, not far from the scene of the senseless murders at Robb Elementary School.

She also stopped by an Uvalde community center that is hosting a blood drive, where she toured the facility and donated food, a volunteer there told DailyMail.com. 'She did not want anybody to know who she was,' the person said.

But nevertheless her appearance in Texas, flying in from her home in California and back again by private jet, made headlines around the world. 

Meghan has not spoken publicly on gun ownership, but in 2015 was quoted in a book as being pro controls.

Step 2: Support for women's and LGBT+ groups

Her pseudo-royal tour to Nigeria last week, her increasing presence at Invictus events and her surprise appearance in Uvalde all point to a foray into politics not being over.

Experts predict that if high office is her aim, increasing public support for women's rights, minority groups and the LGBTQ+ communities must follow, and even taking over a related charity to show Americans that 'she can actually run something'.

Last year she spent International Women's Day supporting an organisation that helps expectant mothers and their children. 

While there is no doubting her commitment to women's issues, Professor Christopher Phelps has said that women, in particular, are key voters to  target, especially for Democrats.

'The support and high turnout from women is crucial to the Democrats. Although Meghan has been a vocal supporter of them, they are no pushover', he said.

'She would also need to get support from labour groups and unions, women and especially black women as well as LGBT groups. There will be rivals with long standing relationships with them'.

But a senior political source told MailOnline that Meghan must do more.

'Why would the United Auto Workers put boots on the ground for her? She hasn't done anything for them. Democrats are all grass roots and organising', they said.

Step 3: Ramp up Invictus appearances

A greater role in the Invictus Games could also be beneficial for Meghan because of its support for military heroes.  

The Duchess of Sussex may not have accompanied Harry to the UK for the Invictus Games anniversary event this week because she is afraid that she will be booed by the British public again, a royal expert claimed.

But she has been by her husband's side at the Games themselves and very hands on in the build up to the first winter Invictus in Canada next year.

An insider said: 'Harry deserves a lot of credit for his Invictus Games and his work with veterans. Meghan's supported him and it reflects well on her too'.  

Step 4: More faux-royal tours of the world

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry insist that their trip to Nigeria was not a royal tour. 

But from the moment they stood for the British national anthem and attended red carpet events, many saw it differently. 

In fact, never mind faux-royal, the final leg of Harry and Meghan's tour of Nigeria seemed decidedly presidential.

From the moment they touched down in Lagos, the Duke and Duchess were shadowed White House-fashion by secret servicemen muttering into earpieces, armed police officers and scowling special forces soldiers.

Not to mention their own, much smaller security team – and a smattering of anxious-looking female aides in shift dresses and Adidas trainers who trailed the Duchess.

Meghan and Harry were so delighted by the reception they received on their trip to Nigeria that they are planning more quasi-royal tours, a source has claimed.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the country for three days last week to promote mental health initiatives and the Invictus Games, the sporting event Harry, 39, founded for wounded military veterans.

The couple visited a local charity and met with military leaders, injured soldiers and school children, all of whom welcomed them smiles and enthusiasm.

A California politico told MailOnline: 'It felt like the first the first major step towards Meghan becoming a stateswoman. Harry took a back seat. He was her First Lady, so to speak'.

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