Royal fans have called out the “double standards” surrounding Meghan Markle and Princess Kate after the latter sported a new up-do.

The Princess of Wales paid a visit to the family portage specialist centre in Sittingbourne on Wednesday where she joined a play session for toddlers with special needs.

The royal wore a striking bright red jacket with gold button detailing but she also sported a stylish new hair do.

Prince William’s wife had her hair in a low bun with face-framing bangs and royal fans were quick to praise her for her departure from her usual hairstyles.

But others were quick to notice that her sister-in-law received a backlash for sporting a very similar hairstyle just six years ago.

In a viral video posted to TikTok, royal commentator Amanda Matta (@matta_of_fact) compared several headlines discussing Kate and Meghan’s similar hairstyles, pointing out the “double standards” faced by Meghan.

Amanda shared screenshots of articles from different media, each one claiming that Meghan “broke royal protocol” by wearing her hair in a low bun with face-framing strands.

“Spot the difference” Amanda captioned her TikTok video, adding: “As always, it’s not about someone ‘owning’ a style – it’s the double standards that are the issue.”

The articles stated that the royal family prefers members to have their hair perfectly sleek and smooth, with no stray hairs peeking out of a bun or falling over the face.

But it looks like messy buns do not break royal protocol, as Kate seemed to prove this week.

Several users agreed with Amanda, with one saying: “This would actually be so hilarious if it wasn’t so infuriating.”

Another one said: “I just feel like I’m being gaslit at this point.”