A new book has brought to light a surprising revelation about how Prince Philip referred to Meghan Markle, offering insight into a provocative nickname he reportedly used for her.
The late Duke of Edinburgh, who lived a long life until his passing in 2021 at the age of 99, supposedly gave Markle a rather unfriendly nickname, as shared in an upcoming book by Ingrid Seward, titled My Mother And I.
Ingrid Seward, a respected editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine and a well-known biographer on the royal family, has penned several works on the British royals, such as The Queen’s Speech, My Husband and I, and Prince Philip Revealed.
According to a reveal in The Telegraph, Seward’s book discloses that Prince Philip referred to the former Suits star as the “Duchess of Windsor.” This name ties back to Wallis Simpson, an American socialite known for her controversial ties to royalty.
Wallis, also a divorced American, married Edward VIII in 1937, which became a famed scandal after he abdicated the throne.
Edward VIII, who was Queen Elizabeth II’s uncle, faced intense disapproval from the Church of England and was also at odds with the then UK Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin because his choice of wife had once been married. Hence, Wallis Simpson was not warmly welcomed as queen consort. The couple consequently received the titles Duke and Duchess of Windsor from Edward’s brother, King George VI.
Seward explores Prince Philip’s view on Meghan Markle, noting a striking likeness he saw between her and Simpson. Beyond mere appearances, Philip found them both to be slim, dark-haired, stylish American divorcees.
Markle was previously married to film producer Trevor Engelson from 2011 until their divorce in 2014, mirroring Wallis Simpson’s own marital history before she married Edward VIII.
From details highlighted in the book and shared by The Times, Queen Elizabeth II’s initial impression of Markle seemed quite positive. Seward notes that the Queen had “approved” of Meghan when Prince Harry introduced her to his grandmother in 2017.
Nevertheless, when it came to Meghan’s choice of wedding gown for her 2018 marriage to Prince Harry, the Queen had her reservations, reportedly finding it “too white” given Meghan’s previous marriage.
Meghan and Harry’s decision to step back from royal duties in early 2020 and their subsequent move to Montecito, California, drew comparisons to Edward VIII’s choice to abdicate and relocate to France with Wallis once they had fallen in love.
In 2022, royal expert Hugo Vickers drew parallels between Prince Harry and Edward VIII, noting a sense of sorrow that seemed to shadow both after their decision to leave royal duties. Vickers shared concerns about Harry, wondering if he now appeared “thoroughly miserable.”
The book by Seward, whether offering a glimpse into the thoughts and attitudes within the royal walls or highlighting historical echoes, stirs the narrative surrounding Meghan Markle and her place within the storied royal family.
