Kate's parents bought her dress. It was not bought from the public purse.
We assume that Meghan's engagement dress which was completely inappropriate was bought from the public purse? I can't see her paying for it herself, and although she may have got it discounted, it sends completely the wrong message in a time of austerity.
I somehow doubt Meghan even realised that this country is a deep depression and in a political mess - she doesn't seem much concerned at all with what is going on in the UK, she's craning her neck to see what's happening over the Pond the whole time.
Yes, The Cambridges spend a lot, but they give the impression of being good value for money. This may not be the truth, but they are clever in the way they portray themselves and they appear to care about the public and not to be interested in flashy wealth for the sake of it. This is the crucial thing. With the RF image is EVERYTHING. You can't afford to slip up, say something tactless, offend people who may become enemies, etc. The Cambridges realise this and don't come across as flippant or arrogant. Neither are they hobnobbing with rich and famous American celebrities.
I'm afraid the Sussexes come across as being very concerned about image, clothes, being seen with the right people, flaunting their wealth and privilege in our faces whilst having the temerity to lecture us about how we live ! Meghan should have realised that she needed to build up her profile over time, being careful to be mindful of precedent and protocol. She should have watched other members of the family for cues, asked for advice, stayed in the background until she had really gained her feet. I actually think the British public are extremely forgiving. However, affection is key. We gradually got to know Kate, we felt we liked her, approved of her. We enjoyed watching William and kate's relationship progress to the point where they married. Kate appears to come from a loving, normal affectionate family, and we like and relate to that. There has been no time to get to know Meghan in the same way. She started off with huge good will, but it's all disappearing down the drain very fast.
Meghan has just blundered in without any regard for listening, watching and biding her time. Harry has allowed her her head and not tried to guide her it appears. He's been swept along with her heady enthusiasm to 'change the world ' without uttering any words of caution. The only reason that someone would ignore advice and stampede ahead is either arrogance or stupidity. I'm not sure which in their case.
Camilla by contrast, married Charles with the worst possible image. She has totally turned it round by working hard, appearing relatable, quietly and respectfully going about her business in performing the expected role. Never a word of complaint has been heard from her, though at her age I am sure she would rather be sitting in her own home gossiping with friends, not sweating in a foreign country and shaking endless hands. Sophie has likewise turned around a shaky start with some unfortunate choices to become a real workhorse. A quiet, unassuming workhorse who doesn't seek the limelight for her own sake. We respect her for it.
As others have said, Kate and William are the future King and Queen. Meghan and Harry are in another league altogether. However, they want the houses and the perks and the clothes, but don't want to share photos of their baby or to give details of the Godparents or where he was born. It just strikes the wrong note completely.