After Prince Philip passed away in 2021, Prince Harry expressed his deep affection for his grandfather. Stating that Philip would always have a special place in their hearts. However, revelations from a new book by Ingrid Seward, a prominent chronicler of the British Royal Family, shed light on Philip’s feelings toward Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle.
It seems Meghan Markle wasn’t liked by all
According to Seward’s book “My Mother and I,” Philip didn’t share the same warmth towards Meghan as Harry did. In fact, he once made a comparison between Meghan and Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor. In an excerpt from the book published in the Daily Mail, Seward mentioned that Philip referred to Meghan as “DoW.” This is short for Duchess of Windsor, noticing similarities between the two women.
While Philip may have harbored reservations, Queen Elizabeth II took a liking to Meghan Markle when they first met over tea at Buckingham Palace in 2017. Seward wrote that the queen not only liked Meghan but also had high hopes for her potential contributions alongside Harry for the youth of the Commonwealth.
Despite the queen’s support, Philip cautioned her to be wary of Meghan, drawing parallels between Meghan and Wallis Simpson. The comparison wasn’t merely about their shared traits as glamorous American divorcees but hinted at potential disruptions within the Royal Family. As noted by Seward.
His concerns were in fact, due to historical events
The historical context of Edward VIII’s abdication in 1936 due to his desire to marry Simpson adds complexity to Philip’s concerns. Edward’s decision reshaped the monarchy, with Elizabeth’s father reluctantly ascending to the throne in his place. Seward’s book highlights how Elizabeth’s mother viewed Simpson as a negative influence, contributing to her husband’s early demise.
Elizabeth, who understood Philip’s comparisons between Meghan Markle and Wallis, later expressed reservations about Harry’s relationship with Meghan. “Indeed, much later, she would remark in her clipped way that perhaps Harry had been ‘too in love’ with the American actress,” Seward said. Particularly regarding her choice of wedding attire. Despite her concerns, the queen never openly criticized Meghan, confining her opinions to trusted confidantes.
The strained relationship between Harry, Meghan, and the royal family became more apparent over time
Exacerbated by their decision to step back from their senior Royal roles and relocate to the United States. The couple’s highly publicized interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021 further strained relations. Particularly with Harry’s comments about feeling trapped within the institution and allegations of racism within the Royal Family. “She couldn’t condone the way he was speaking about the institution of the monarchy she’d spent 70 years preserving,” Seward wrote.
Harry’s revelation about discussions with Royal aides regarding Meghan Markle’s suitability as a spouse, including references to Wallis Simpson. Adds another layer to the narrative. Despite initial concerns raised by his private secretary, Harry ultimately sought his grandmother’s permission to marry Meghan. A moment he described with uncertainty in his memoir “Spare.” “Well, then, I suppose I have to say yes,” the queen said.
A Royal Family with troubles so deep, one wouldn’t even know where to start
The revelation of Philip’s nickname for Meghan, coupled with the historical echoes of Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, underscores the complexities within the Royal Family and the challenges faced by those who marry into its ranks. As Harry and Meghan navigate their own path, their relationship with the monarchy continues to evolve, leaving a lasting impact on Royal history.