CONTROVERSIAL comments comparing Meghan Markle to Nelson Mandela have reportedly boosted the duchess’s popularity.

It comes after Meghan revealed how a South African actor said that during her wedding to Prince Harry, “we rejoiced in the streets the same we did when Mandela was freed from prison”.

The MailOnline later claimed that the comments had “surprised” the family of the anti-apartheid activist and former South African president, who died in 2013.

There were fears Meghan’s reputation could be damaged by the comments, made to The Cut website.

But a study of 2,000 Americans found that two thirds think of her “more favourably” since the interview.

The Argus: Nelson MandelaNelson Mandela (Image: The Argus)

The result also came as a surprise to royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliam, who went so far as to say it is “unexplainable”.

"I think that is an extraordinary result because the interview in The Cut was threatening, or I thought it was to the Royal Family," he said.

"I think it is a staggering result, I can't explain it.

"But I certainly would very strongly condemn her mentioning of Nelson Mandela and his release from prison, and that it is linked to her in any connection or context."

The survey found that around 40 per cent thought "more favourably of her," and a further 30 per cent said they thought "much more favourably".

The Argus: Meghan MarkleMeghan Markle (Image: The Argus)

The survey also found 16 per cent of people described her as strong and 14 per cent described her as charming, compared to just four per cent of people who described her as a bully.

Zwelivelile Mandela, South African MP and grandson of Nelson, told the MailOnline: “Madiba’s celebration was based on overcoming 350 years of colonialism with 60 years of a brutal apartheid regime in South Africa.

"So It cannot be equated to as the same.”

In the Cut interview, published on last Monday, Meghan also claimed that Harry had "lost" his father Prince Charles.

It comes as the Sussexes arrived in Manchester on Monday to attend the One Young World summit where they met a group of summit delegates.

The duchess, who is a counsellor for the organisation, gave the keynote address at the opening ceremony.