The Duchess of Sussex has teamed up with Stephen Fry, Steve Bannon and hundreds of other public figures to issue the warning.

Meghan Markle is among 800 public figures calling for safeguards on AI (Image: Getty)

In a jaw-dropping twist that no one saw coming, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry have thrown their weight behind a dramatic global call to halt the rise of “superintelligent” artificial intelligence (AI) systems that could spell doom for humanity. The royal rebels have joined forces with an unlikely crew of 800 public figures, including beloved British icon Stephen Fry and controversial right-wing firebrand Steve Bannon, in a sensational plea to rein in the “terrifying” advancements of AI. This bombshell coalition, spearheaded by the Future for Life Institute (FLI), is sounding the alarm on machines that could outsmart humans and wreak havoc on the world as we know it.

The star-studded lineup of signatories, revealed by the Financial Times, reads like a who’s who of global influencers, from scientists and politicians to religious leaders and celebrities. Their message? The unchecked development of AI systems “more intelligent than most humans” poses a catastrophic threat to civilization. The FLI’s head honcho, Max Tegmark, didn’t mince words, declaring: “It is our humanity that brings us all together here … More and more people are starting to think that the biggest threat isn’t the other company or even the other country but maybe the machines we are building.” Cue the chills!

Prince Harry, never one to shy away from a cause, added his own heartfelt warning to the manifesto, penning a personal note that’s sure to tug at heartstrings: “The future of AI should serve humanity, not replace it. I believe the true test of progress will not be how fast we move, but how wisely we steer. There is no second chance.” The Duke’s words are a stark reminder of the high stakes at play, as fears grow that rogue AI could spiral out of control, leaving humanity in the dust.

Meghan, meanwhile, is no stranger to taking a stand. The former Suits star has been vocal about the dangers lurking in the digital world, particularly when it comes to protecting children online. Together with Harry, she’s previously called for social media giants to tighten their content moderation policies, slamming platforms for allowing harmful material to proliferate. Now, the Duchess is stepping into an even bigger battle, joining a chorus of voices demanding a “prohibition” on AI systems that could outstrip human intelligence and plunge the world into chaos.

But the real shocker? The inclusion of Steve Bannon, the polarizing former strategist for Donald Trump, in this eclectic alliance. Known for his fiery rhetoric and right-wing crusades, Bannon’s presence alongside the progressive-leaning Sussexes is the kind of plot twist that could only happen in 2025. The unlikely trio of Meghan, Harry, and Bannon—alongside the ever-charming Stephen Fry—has sparked a frenzy of speculation about what could unite such wildly different figures. The answer, it seems, is a shared dread of an AI-driven dystopia where machines call the shots.

The FLI’s open letter pulls no punches, warning that “superintelligent” AI could lead to “unprecedented risks” if not tightly regulated. The group is urging world leaders to slam the brakes on developing systems that could outthink humans, arguing that the potential for catastrophe far outweighs any short-term gains. From self-driving cars to chatbots that can mimic human conversation, AI is already transforming our lives—but the FLI fears we’re hurtling toward a future where machines could outmaneuver us in ways we can’t predict.

Critics of the letter, however, are quick to dismiss it as fearmongering. Tech tycoons and AI developers argue that halting progress could stifle innovation and hand the advantage to rival nations racing to dominate the AI frontier. They point to the benefits of AI—revolutionizing healthcare, boosting economies, and solving complex global problems—as reasons to keep pushing forward. But the FLI and its high-profile supporters aren’t buying it. They insist that without strict safeguards, we’re playing with fire, risking a sci-fi nightmare where humanity becomes obsolete.

For Meghan and Harry, this campaign is a natural extension of their advocacy for a safer digital world. The couple, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020, have made it their mission to tackle online harms, particularly for young people. Their Archewell Foundation has championed initiatives to protect children from toxic online content, and their latest move signals they’re ready to take on an even bigger beast: the AI juggernaut. But teaming up with the likes of Bannon? That’s raised more than a few eyebrows.

Social media is already ablaze with reactions, from fans praising the Sussexes’ bold stance to skeptics questioning their alliance with a figure as divisive as Bannon. “Meghan and Harry with Steve Bannon? What’s next, aliens landing at Buckingham Palace?” quipped one X user. Another chimed in: “Say what you want about the royals, but they’re not wrong about AI. This stuff is scary!” Meanwhile, Stephen Fry’s involvement has lent the campaign a dose of gravitas, with his eloquent warnings about technology’s double-edged sword resonating far and wide.

As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the world is waking up to the perils of AI run amok. With Meghan, Harry, and their eclectic band of allies leading the charge, the call for a global rethink on AI is impossible to ignore. Will their plea spark meaningful change, or is it too late to stop the machines from taking over? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—this is one royal rebellion that’s got everyone talking.