It is well known that the vitriolic criticism of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle often has racist overtones.

Whatever they do, critics will find fault with it, and the latest target of this criticism is, of course, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's new Netflix documentary, Harry and Meghan.

But for one historian and royal commentator, this particular line of criticism is all the more dismaying because the Sussexes are far from the first royal family to film a "reality-style" documentary about their lives.

"I don't think we are the first royalty to share our story," says historian Mok O'Keefe, who identifies himself on social media as @gayaristo.

"Many royal families have written and engaged with the media to tell their stories. Our king made a documentary with (Jonathan) Dimbleby (in 1994). The royal public relations department works closely with journalists to plant the seeds for stories."

"They've been criticized badly for what many members of the royal family have done before."

Queen Elizabeth II herself gave permission for a documentary about her family titled "The Royal Family" in 1969 and about her reign titled "Elizabeth R" in 1992.

But the royal precedent is not the only reason O'Keefe cited for why people treat Harry and Meghan kindly.

"They are people who feel misunderstood," he continues.

"Let's hear what they have to say before we act as judge and jury.

"Maybe that's the problem. We already have a negative view of Meghan (and now Harry). So whatever they do, they are damned." This is a view expressed by many other royal commentators as well.

O'Keefe has seen how much hatred is directed at the royal couple after sharing content defending them.

"The response has been incredible," he reveals. [On Instagram and YouTube, I lost a lot of followers for being even remotely positive.

"People forget that we are talking about people. Real. Human. He lost his mother and was so traumatized by it that he fears his wife will experience the same thing.

Important reminder.