Meghan Markle is stubbornly pushing ahead with her personal brand of royalty – even as her popularity hits rock bottom – because she believes she “always knows best”, a royal expert has claimed.

Royal biographer Penny Junor said the Duchess of Sussex routinely ignores advice and is convinced her way is the only way, despite growing public disapproval. In a column for Sky News Australian, Ms Junor wrote: “Meghan doesn’t listen to advice – she believes she always knows best and that Harry only listens to her.”

Pointing out that Meghan’s popularity rating in the UK had fallen to just 20% in a recent poll, she accused the couple of trying to create a “cheap knock-off” of the Royal Family in California, complete with their own staff and PR operation – but insisted it was destined to fail.

Ms Junor suggested Prince Harry has become increasingly isolated under Meghan’s influence, and warned their self-styled “court” is unlikely to survive long given her attitude and the couple’s ongoing war with the press.