Prince Philip's Complex Relationship with Meghan Markle: Nicknamed Her "Tungsten" for Toughness

The late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, had a complicated relationship with Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, according to royal expert Ingrid Seward. Despite the Queen's high hopes for Meghan, Philip was reportedly wary of her from the beginning and drew comparisons between her and Wallis Simpson, another American divorcee who married into the British Royal Family.

Seward reveals that Philip had a nickname for Meghan: "the Duchess of Windsor" or "DoW." This moniker, which he never shared directly with Meghan, was a reference to the similarities he perceived between her and Wallis Simpson. "Of course, the Queen was aware that Philip was shrewd about people and didn't always go along with what she thought," Seward explains. "Later she said, 'Perhaps I should have listened to him more, but I was too in love with Harry.'"

Despite his initial concerns, Philip reportedly came to admire Meghan's resilience and gave her another nickname: "Tungsten," after the tough metal known for its robustness and strength. This suggests that while he may have been cautious about her role within the Royal Family, he recognized and respected her personal qualities.

Why this matters: The revelations about Prince Philip's complex feelings towards Meghan Markle illuminate the internal dynamics and challenges within the British Royal Family. As an institution steeped in tradition, the monarchy has had to navigate the integration of modern, independent-minded individuals like Meghan, which has led to both tensions and admiration.

Since stepping back from their royal duties in 2020, Meghan and Prince Harry have relocated to the United States, with Meghan making limited trips back to the United Kingdom. She did not attend King Charles III's coronation, which Harry attended solo. As the Royal Family continues to evolve and adapt to changing times, the relationships between its members, past and present, remain a subject of fascination and scrutiny.

Key Takeaways

• Prince Philip had a complex relationship with Meghan Markle, wary of her initially.
• Philip gave Meghan nicknames "Duchess of Windsor" and "Tungsten" for her resilience.
• Queen was aware of Philip's skepticism but was "too in love with Harry" to listen.
• Meghan's integration into the Royal Family led to tensions and admiration.
• Meghan did not attend King Charles III's coronation, as the Royal Family evolves.