Why Meghan Markle Is An Easier Target Than Prince Andrew

Meghan Markle and Prince Andrew have been hounded by the media for both legitimate and rumored issues this past year alone. The Duchess of Sussex is known for breaking royal traditions, which easily draws in the criticism of the public. The Duke of York, on the other hand, has been snared in the middle of a controversy that spans back from 2007.

Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, received flak last month for choosing to fly in a private plane, which the media pointed out as hypocrisy to the couple’s environmental beliefs. Meanwhile, Prince Andrew has been harshly criticized for his relationship with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, subsequently implicating him in sex offences as well.

The public, however, questions how the media portrays both situations. Particularly, why Meghan seems to attract more controversy than Prince Andrew.

Quora user Eileen Wood answers that because Epstein’s case is more serious, claims about Prince Andrew may garner more significant consequences as well. “Even the British gutter press will tread carefully before accusing someone, especially the Queen’s son, of being involved with an actual known pedophile, who was facing decades in prison,” wrote Wood on the forum. “The gutter press might hint around at things, but they’ll be careful what they actually say about it.”

Another user named Hninzi Lwin builds up on Wood’s explanation, saying that severe — yet unproven — allegations may be subject to court hearings for libel or slander. Meghan, on the other hand, becomes an easier target because criticism on her lifestyle won’t result to court orders.

“Just criticizing a woman for extravagance etc doesn’t amount to monetary damages,” Lwin continued. “So they are free to do their worst.”

It goes without saying that Andrew’s relationship with Epstein has been repeatedly dragged to the forefront, but the media’s attention remains on Meghan because of her wide popularity as well. Andrew is merely the eighth in the line of succession, while Meghan’s husband stands at the sixth — placing even more gravity to the things they do.

As Vanity Fair puts it, Meghan’s popularity increases the likelihood of reporters covering every little thing she does. While the Duke of York’s alleged crimes may be deplorable, it won’t get as much mileage as the Duchess of Sussex’s lifestyle.