Sadly, probably not Dickens. M and H themselves have said so very little about their plans to return to the UK- but main stream and social media has exploded with speculation, disparagement and downright vitriol. It begs the question why people are so disparaging towards Meghan- so fed that question into A1- here’s what it came up with:
The intense public backlash and criticism directed at Meghan Markle stem from a complex intersection of cultural clashes, media narratives, and deep-seated societal prejudices. Observers and analysts generally divide the reasons for the vitriol into systemic identity-based factors and specific behavioural or institutional grievances.
Identity, Culture, and Systemic Biases
Race and Gender Many sociologists and cultural commentators argue that misogynoir (misogyny directed at Black women) and overt or latent racism play a substantial role in the hostility she faces. As a biracial American woman entering a traditionally white, rigid British institution, she became a focal point for racial animus.
The "outsider" Effect Meghan broke the traditional mold of a royal spouse. She was an American, a divorcee, older than her husband, and a self-made professional actress. This clashed with traditionalist expectations of royal behaviour and British class structures.
Cultural Disconnect Her open, emotional communication style and comfort with California-style wellness and self-expression often read as "inauthentic" or overly performative to critics, particularly in the UK, where stiff upper lip cultural norms prevail.
Institutional and Behavioural Criticisms
*The Royal Departure - Megxit*: Her and Prince Harry’s decision to step back from royal duties in 2020 and relocate to North America infuriated traditionalists and royal loyalists. Critics accused her of "tearing apart" the royal family and orchestrating the departure, while viewing their subsequent commercial deals (with Netflix, Spotify, and publishing houses) as an attempt to monetise royal status without fulfilling traditional public service.
Perceived Hypocrisy Detractors frequently accuse the couple of demanding privacy while simultaneously releasing high-profile documentaries, interview specials (such as the Oprah interview), and memoirs that publicly criticise the royal institution. Critics argue that discussing royal life while trying to build a commercial brand is contradictory.
Role of the Media Media analysis shows that the tabloid press—particularly in the UK—played a massive role in manufacturing and amplifying negative framing of Meghan from the very beginning, contrasting her actions unfavourably with other public figures.
On platforms like Reddit, opinions remain sharply mixed supporters see her as a survivor of a toxic, archaic institution and relentless media bullying, whereas detractors maintain that public dislike is a fair response to her own perceived manipulation, grandstanding, and disrespect toward the monarchy.