A forthcoming book has revealed a surprising aspect of Prince Philip’s purported views on Meghan Markle, shedding light on a controversial nickname he allegedly had for her.
The late Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 99, reportedly referred to Markle by a spiteful moniker, as disclosed in an excerpt from the book titled My Mother And I, authored by Ingrid Seward.
Seward, esteemed editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine and renowned royal biographer, is recognized for her extensive writings on the British royal family, including works such as The Queen’s Speech, My Husband and I, and Prince Philip Revealed.
As reported by The Telegraph, Seward’s book unveils Prince Philip’s nickname for the former Suits actress, dubbing her the “Duchess of Windsor.” This epithet draws a pointed comparison to Wallis Simpson, a controversial American socialite who held the same title.
Wallis, a divorced American, married Edward VIII in 1937 after his abdication from the British throne, sparking a significant scandal.
Edward VIII, the uncle of the late Queen Elizabeth II, faced staunch opposition from the Church of England and then UK Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin due to his marriage to a divorced woman. This disapproval extended to the public’s reluctance to accept Simpson as queen consort because of her marital history. Consequently, the couple was granted the title of Duke and Duchess of Windsor by Edward’s younger brother, King George VI.
Seward’s book delves into Prince Philip’s perception of Markle, highlighting his eerie comparison to Simpson. She notes Philip’s finding it “uncanny” how much Markle resembled Simpson, extending beyond physical similarities to their status as slim, dark-haired, glamorous American divorcees.
Markle’s previous marriage to film producer Trevor Engelson from 2011 to 2014 parallels Simpson’s status as a divorced woman before her union with Edward VIII.
According to snippets from the book reported by The Times, Queen Elizabeth II’s initial reaction to Markle was purportedly more favorable. Seward’s book suggests that the Queen “approved” of the actress upon her introduction by Prince Harry in 2017.
However, the Queen reportedly expressed reservations about Markle’s wedding attire for her 2018 nuptials, deeming it “too white” in light of her previous marriage.
The decision by Meghan and Harry to step back as senior royals in January 2020 and relocate to Montecito, California, prompted comparisons to Edward VIII’s abdication and departure to France with Simpson when they fell in love.
Royal expert Hugo Vickers noted similarities between Harry and Edward VIII in 2022, suggesting a sense of melancholy in both after relinquishing their royal roles. Vickers expressed concern about Prince Harry’s demeanor, suggesting he appeared “thoroughly miserable.”
