The British royal family is one of the most iconic institutions in the world, and its members are often subject to intense public scrutiny. Among the most polarizing figures within this historic family are Camilla, Queen Consort (formerly Camilla Parker Bowles) and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. Both women have faced significant criticism, but the reasons behind the public's perceptions differ greatly. This begs the question: which of these two royal family members does the British public dislike more?
Camilla, once a controversial figure due to her involvement in the highly publicized love triangle with Prince Charles (now King Charles III) and the late Princess Diana, has had to work hard to win over the British public. For years, Camilla was seen as the "other woman," and many blamed her for the breakdown of Charles and Diana's marriage. Diana, often dubbed the "People's Princess," garnered immense public support, making it challenging for Camilla to shake off her negative reputation.
However, over time, Camilla has managed to soften the public's view of her. As she took on more royal duties and maintained a low-key, steady presence, her popularity gradually improved. Following Queen Elizabeth II's death in 2022, and with Charles' ascension to the throne, Camilla's role became more prominent as Queen Consort. While some die-hard Diana supporters may never fully embrace her, Camilla has found increasing acceptance, especially among those who appreciate her support of King Charles.
Meghan Markle, the American actress who married Prince Harry in 2018, was initially welcomed by many as a breath of fresh air for the royal family. However, her relationship with the British public soured quickly, fueled by allegations of tension within the royal household, her candid interviews with Oprah Winfrey, and her and Harry's decision to step down from royal duties in 2020—a move dubbed as "Megxit."
For many, Meghan's willingness to criticize the royal family in public and the couple's departure to the U.S. were seen as a betrayal of royal tradition. Additionally, the British media's harsh coverage of Meghan, often tinged with racial and cultural overtones, has contributed to her divisive image. While she has her defenders, particularly among younger generations and those outside the U.K., Meghan's public perception in Britain remains fraught with controversy.
When looking at public opinion polls, Meghan Markle consistently ranks lower than Camilla in terms of favorability. In surveys conducted by YouGov, Meghan is frequently rated as one of the least liked members of the royal family, with Camilla enjoying a more neutral or even slightly positive standing. A 2023 YouGov poll found that Meghan’s approval rating was among the lowest of all royal family members, while Camilla’s had risen, especially following her ascension as Queen Consort.
The British media plays a significant role in shaping public opinions about both women. Tabloid newspapers such as The Sun and The Daily Mail have been particularly critical of Meghan, publishing countless negative headlines. Camilla, in contrast, has enjoyed more positive coverage in recent years, as the media shifted its focus to her loyalty and discretion in her royal duties.
The rise of social media has also had an impact on how the public views these women. Meghan’s supporters argue that much of the criticism she receives is rooted in outdated traditions and even racism, while her detractors feel that her actions have undermined the royal institution. On the other hand, Camilla’s historical controversies seem to have faded with time, and she is now seen as a stabilizing force within the monarchy.
While both Camilla, Queen Consort, and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, have faced their fair share of criticism, public opinion polls and media coverage suggest that Meghan is currently more disliked by the British public. Her outspoken approach, decision to step away from royal duties, and public criticism of the royal family have earned her a more negative reputation, while Camilla has managed to rehabilitate her image over the years, largely by embracing her role as a supportive and steadfast royal figure.
