Prince Philip, the late husband of Queen Elizabeth II, reportedly had a harsh nickname for Meghan Markle.
This nickname connected Meghan to Wallis Simpson, another American divorcee who married into the royal family in the past. Wallis Simpson was famously married to King Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne to marry her.
Prince Philip saw similarities between Meghan and Wallis, which led him to call Meghan by a discreet nickname: the Duchess of Windsor (DOW). He didn’t use this nickname to Meghan’s face but reportedly used it in private conversations.
Royal expert Ingrid Seward explained that Prince Philip was perceptive about people and their intentions. He saw Meghan’s similarities to Wallis Simpson, which made him wary of Meghan’s impact on the royal family. In her book, Seward described Prince Philip as cautious and concerned about Meghan’s role.
While Prince Philip was apprehensive, Queen Elizabeth II reportedly had high hopes for Meghan. This difference in perspective within the royal family reflects varying opinions about Meghan’s influence.
Since Meghan and Prince Harry stepped back from their royal duties in 2020 and moved to California, they have maintained a relatively low profile.
Prince Harry occasionally returns to the UK for important events, but Meghan often stays in the US due to safety concerns and to avoid stirring up controversy.
Meghan’s decisions reflect her prioritization of safety and peace amid constant public interest in her relationship with the royal family.
