A forthcoming book has shed light on a surprising aspect of Prince Philip’s alleged views on Meghan Markle.
The late Duke of Edinburgh – who passed away in 2021 at the age of 99 – allegedly had a spiteful nickname for Markle, according to a revealing excerpt from the book titled My Mother And I, written by Ingrid Seward.
Seward, the editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine and royal biographer, is known as one of the most prominent and respected writers on the British royal family – having published over a dozen books on the famous family, including The Queen’s Speech, My Husband and I and Prince Philip Revealed.
As reported by The Telegraph, an excerpt of Seward’s new book reveals what nickname the late Prince Philip gave to the former Suits actress, who married into the Royal Family in 2018.
Prince Philip allegedly had a spiteful nickname for Meghan Markle. Credit: WPA Pool / Getty
In the book, Seward discloses that Prince Philip referred to Markle as the “Duchess of Windsor”. This nickname is a pointed reference to the controversial American socialite Wallis Simpson, who held the same title.
Wallis, a divorced American, married Edward VIII in 1937 after he abdicated the British throne, sparking a major scandal.
Edward VIII – the uncle of the late Queen Elizabeth II – faced major pushback from the Church of England and the UK Prime Minister at the time Stanley Baldwin, who not only frowned upon the King marrying a divorced woman, but also argued that the public would not accept Simpson as queen because of her marital status.
Prince Philip would allegedly refer to Markle as “The Duchess of Windsor”. Credit: Pool / Getty
They went on to be granted the title of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor by Edward’s younger brother, King George VI.
Seward’s book delves into Prince Philip’s perception of Markle and his eerie comparison to Simpson. She notes that Philip found it “uncanny” how much Markle reminded him of Simpson. This comparison went beyond their physical similarities as both were slim, dark-haired, and glamorous American divorcees.
Markle had been married to film producer Trevor Engelson from 2011 until their divorce in 2014, similar to Simpson’s status as a divorced woman before her marriage to Edward VIII.
Credit: Bettmann / Getty
Other snippets of the book, as reported by The Times, reveal that Queen Elizabeth II’s initial response to Markle was reportedly more favorable. According to Seward’s book, the Queen “approved” of the actress when she was introduced to her by Prince Harry in 2017.
However, she did express a belief that Markle’s wedding dress for her 2018 nuptials was “too white” due to her previous marriage.
At the time, Meghan and Harry’s decision to step back as senior members of the royal family in January 2020 and relocate to Montecito, California, also drew comparisons to Edward VIII’s abdication and departure to France with Simpson when they fell in love.
Royal expert Hugo Vickers observed similarities between Harry and Edward VIII in 2022.
Per the New York Post, Vickers stated that both radiated a sense of sadness after severing their ties with the royal family, according to Vickers. He suggested that their eyes revealed their feelings, and while both sought perceived happiness through their marriages, true happiness was found in fulfilling duty. Vickers also commented on Prince Harry’s demeanor, expressing concern that he appeared “thoroughly miserable.”