Virulent criticism of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, often with thinly veiled racial undertones, is well documented.
Whatever they do, their critics will find fault with it, and the latest target of this criticism is of course the Duke and Duchess of Sussex' new Netflix docuseries, titled Harry & Meghan.
But for one historian and royal commentator, this specific line of criticism is all the more dumbfounding because the Sussexes are far from the first royals to film a "reality-style" documentary about their lives.
"I think that they are not the first royals to share their story," says Mok O'Keeffe, a historian who goes by @gayaristo on social media.
"Many members of royalty have written or been involved with the media to tell their story. Our own King made a documentary with [Jonathan] Dimbleby [in 1994]. And the royal PR departments have close links to journalists to seed stories.
"They are receiving horrendous criticism for something that many members of the Royal Family have done before."
Queen Elizabeth II herself gave the green light for a documentary about her family titled Royal Family in 1969, and a documentary about her reign titled Elizabeth R in 1992.
But royal precedent isn't the only reason O'Keeffe cites for people to be kinder towards Harry and Meghan.
"They are human beings who feel misunderstood," he continues.
"Let’s hear what they have to say, before we act as judge and jury.
"And maybe that’s the problem. We already have a negative view of Meghan (and now Harry). And so whatever they do, they are damned." This is a view many other royal commentators have expressed as well.
O'Keeffe is seeing firsthand how much hate is directed at the royal couple after he has shared content defending them.
"The reaction has been incredible," he reveals.
"I’ve lost loads of followers on Instagram and YouTube for being even slightly positive.
"People forget we are talking about human beings. Real. People. A man who lost his mother and was traumatized by that, who feared his wife was going through the same thing."
An important reminder.
-
Give Selena Gomez's 'Emilia Pérez' Coat the Oscar AlreadyThe symbolic costuming choice is also my winter wardrobe inspiration.
-
The True Story of Dolours and Marian Price Is Just As Harrowing As It Seems in 'Say Nothing'The new FX series is set in Ireland during The Troubles.
-
Why Did Drunk Elephant Recall Three of Its Best-Selling Skincare Products?Here's how to know if yours were compromised.
-
Prince Harry Gets a Bad Tattoo by Jelly Roll in Hilarious New Invictus Games Video: 'Oh, Sh*t!'"You wouldn't want nobody else doing this but me."
-
Prince Harry Makes Surprise Appearance at Major Sporting Event—And Shares What Position He'd Play in FootballThe Duke of Sussex promoted his upcoming Invictus Games.
-
Meghan Markle's $6,050 Pendant Pays Tribute to Her "Angels" Prince Archie and Princess LilibetThe engraved necklace features an adorable reference to the Duchess of Sussex's children.
-
Meghan Markle's 5 Best Royal Re-WearsThe Duchess of Sussex knows what works.
-
Queen Camilla Has Helped King Charles "Loosen Up," But He Appears "Tense" Without Her"He was quite a nervous man... Camilla has been a catalyst for change."
-
Meghan Markle Proves the Little Black Corset Should Be a Holiday Party Staple While Supporting Her Friend's New Haircare LineThe Duchess of Sussex is an investor in Highbrow Hippie haircare.
-
King Charles Might Change Some of Queen Elizabeth's Christmas Rituals as He's Less Traditional"I don't think Charles will exactly rip up the rule book, but there's a strong chance he'll loosen some of the rules."
-
Princess Diana's Former Chauffeur Reflects on Her Death for the First Time After Being Fired"She died believing I had betrayed her and that's something I can't ever forget or forgive."
