Why Meghan Markle can’t rebuild public image, unlike Queen Camilla

Meghan Markle’s strained relationship with the British public has drawn comparisons to another royal woman who once faced intense criticism: Queen Camilla. 

But while Camilla has managed to rehabilitate her image and earn public support over time, experts say Meghan may not be able to do the same.

When Camilla Parker Bowles first entered the public eye as King Charles’ partner, she was met with fierce backlash, largely stemming from her role in the breakdown of his marriage to Princess Diana. 

For years, she endured harsh media coverage and widespread unpopularity.

However, in the decades since, Camilla, now 77, has seen a steady rise in public approval, particularly in the wake of her increased royal duties and support for the King during his cancer diagnosis. 

This stands in stark contrast to Meghan Markle, whose approval ratings in the UK have remained low since she and Prince Harry stepped down as senior royals in 2020.

Royal commentator Robert Jobson, speaking on the Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered podcast, suggested the difference lies in their approach to criticism. 

“Through all of the bad times she had, [Camilla] never said a word. She never spoke publicly about anything,” Jobson said. “That’s what’s likeable about her. She’s not looking for anybody to like her - she just gets on with it.”

“If Meghan spends her life worrying about whether she’s liked or not, invariably she’ll end up disappointed,” he added.

“She hasn’t had one complaint about her increase in duties. She’s just getting on with the job,” he said, referring to her role since Charles’ cancer diagnosis.

As for whether Meghan could ever turn public opinion around in the UK, Jobson was blunt: “I doubt it.”

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