The public image of Meghan Markle has long been a subject of intense scrutiny, but a recent outcry from one of her close friends has reignited the conversation about the stark differences in how the Duchess of Sussex is treated compared to other members of the British royal family. According to the friend, Meghan is “constantly vilified” for actions and choices that, if done by other royals, barely draw any attention, let alone criticism. This frustration highlights the ongoing debate about fairness, bias, and the role of the media in shaping public perception.

From the very beginning of her relationship with Prince Harry, Meghan was placed under a magnifying glass. Every move she made was dissected, every outfit judged, and every public statement turned into headlines. While public interest in royalty is nothing new, the intensity and negativity directed specifically at Meghan have been extraordinary. “Every time I see Meghan, I feel heartbroken,” her friend confided, emphasizing how the relentless barrage of criticism has left her feeling isolated and unfairly targeted. The message was clear: Meghan is paying a price others in her position have been spared.

Examples of this double standard abound. When Meghan cradled her baby bump during pregnancy, she was accused of being attention-seeking. Yet, when Kate Middleton did the same, it was framed as a tender, motherly gesture. Meghan has faced backlash for her wardrobe expenses, even though other royals have spent far more without similar condemnation. Even her decision to step back from royal duties alongside Prince Harry was painted as selfish or rebellious, while other royals making unconventional life choices have often been met with sympathy or admiration.

This inconsistency raises a crucial question: why Meghan? Many commentators and supporters argue that race, cultural background, and Meghan’s outspoken nature play a role in how she is perceived. As a biracial American woman who transitioned from an acting career to the royal spotlight, Meghan represented a break from tradition. While that initially brought excitement and the promise of a more modern monarchy, it also triggered resistance from those uncomfortable with such change. The media, eager to feed the public’s appetite for royal stories, often leaned into narratives that painted her as difficult, demanding, or manipulative—labels that stick far longer than praise.

For Meghan herself, the toll has been immense. In private conversations, she has admitted to the pain of being relentlessly judged and misunderstood. Friends say she often wonders why her intentions are questioned in ways others’ are not. This sentiment reflects a broader issue: the tendency of the public and press to apply different standards to different people, often shaped by prejudice, unconscious bias, or entrenched expectations.

The outrage expressed by Meghan’s friend is more than just a defense of her character—it is a call to reflect on fairness and compassion. The debate about Meghan’s treatment is not only about one woman but also about the society that allows such disparities to thrive. Why is one royal praised for a gesture of independence while another is condemned? Why do some voices get the benefit of the doubt, while others are instantly dismissed?

Ultimately, the unequal treatment of Meghan Markle has exposed uncomfortable truths about the monarchy, the media, and the public itself. Whether one supports or criticizes her, the undeniable fact is that Meghan has become a mirror, reflecting back the biases, sympathies, and contradictions of an institution and culture under constant global scrutiny. As her friend passionately insisted, the time has come to acknowledge the cruelty of this vilification—and to ask why fairness and empathy remain so elusive when it comes to Meghan.