In the years since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from their royal roles, the relationship between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the British royal family has undergone significant public scrutiny. Amid shifting family dynamics and global media attention, a past detail about King Charles III and Meghan Markle has resurfaced, offering insight into how the monarch reportedly viewed his daughter-in-law during her early days as a working royal.
The Sussexes’ Transition from Royal Life
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, announced in January 2020 that they would step back as senior working members of the royal family. The couple later relocated to California, where they have since built independent careers through media, philanthropy, and advocacy work.
Their decision to leave official royal duties, often referred to in the press as “Megxit,” was accompanied by extensive coverage from British and international media outlets. Public interest in their relationship with the royal family grew, particularly following their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, where they discussed their experiences within the institution and challenges related to media treatment.
Media Scrutiny and Official Palace Statements
Even before their marriage in 2018, Meghan’s entry into the royal family was widely covered by the press. In November 2016, shortly after their relationship became public, Kensington Palace issued a formal statement on behalf of Prince Harry condemning media harassment and the racial undertones in some reporting about Meghan.
The statement described the situation as dangerous and called for respectful coverage. It marked a rare public intervention by the Palace to address press behavior, underlining the intensity of scrutiny surrounding Meghan.
In his memoir Spare, published in 2023, Prince Harry wrote about the tensions that arose from this statement. He described differing perspectives within the royal household regarding public communications, though Buckingham Palace did not issue public comment on those internal dynamics.
The original statement remained on the Palace website for several years. According to public archives and media reports, it was quietly removed in December 2023, without an accompanying explanation.
Early Interactions Between Charles and Meghan Markle
While public attention has often focused on later tensions, the early relationship between Meghan Markle and then-Prince Charles (now King Charles III) included moments of warmth.
During the couple’s wedding in May 2018, Meghan’s father was unable to attend the ceremony. King Charles walked Meghan partway down the aisle, a gesture that she later described in the couple’s Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan as deeply meaningful. She referred to him as “very charming” and expressed gratitude for his support on that day.
This moment was widely interpreted at the time as a sign of Charles’s willingness to welcome her into the royal family.
The Reported Nickname: “Tungsten”
According to reporting by royal biographer Katie Nicholl, King Charles gave Meghan Markle a distinctive nickname in the early stages of her royal life: “Tungsten.” Tungsten is a metal known for its strength and resilience, and Nicholl has stated that Charles reportedly used the term to reflect his view of Meghan’s determination and inner strength.
The nickname first surfaced in Nicholl’s book The New Royals and has been cited in multiple reputable media outlets, including Town & Country and Marie Claire, as an example of Charles’s early admiration for Meghan’s character.
While Buckingham Palace does not typically comment on private family nicknames, the anecdote has been widely reported as part of the broader narrative of the Sussexes’ initial integration into royal life.
Changing Family Dynamics
Over the years, the relationship between Harry and Meghan and the royal family has evolved. Following their departure from royal duties, both the couple and the institution have maintained independent paths.
Harry has visited the United Kingdom periodically, including in 2023 and 2024, particularly after the announcement of King Charles’s cancer diagnosis. Publicly available statements from Buckingham Palace have emphasized the King’s ongoing commitment to his role while receiving treatment.
Media outlets have reported on Harry’s efforts to reconnect with his father during this period. Meghan, however, has remained largely based in California, focusing on family life and her professional ventures. She has made limited public appearances in the UK since 2020.
Media Narratives vs. Verified Information
Coverage of the royal family, including the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, often includes speculation and anonymous commentary. However, it is important to distinguish between official statements, publicly documented events, and unverified claims.
For example, while reports about the “Tungsten” nickname have been attributed to royal biographers and widely circulated in reputable outlets, Buckingham Palace has not issued any public confirmation or denial regarding private nicknames.
Similarly, while there has been extensive commentary about personal relationships within the royal family, official communications typically focus on constitutional roles, public engagements, and verified events.
The Significance of the Nickname
The resurfacing of King Charles’s reported nickname for Meghan Markle provides a moment of reflection on the early days of her royal journey. At the time, Meghan was celebrated for bringing a modern, international perspective to the monarchy, as well as for her philanthropic background and public speaking experience.
The nickname “Tungsten,” symbolizing strength and resilience, appears to align with those early impressions. It highlights a period when the relationship between Charles and Meghan seemed closer and more collaborative, particularly surrounding the events of the royal wedding.
Where Things Stand Today
As of 2025, the relationship between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the rest of the royal family continues to attract media interest. King Charles III remains focused on his royal duties, balancing health treatment with public engagements. Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, have taken on increased responsibilities, while Edward and Sophie, Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, have also assumed more prominent roles within the working royal structure.
Harry and Meghan continue to pursue independent projects in the United States through their Archewell Foundation and media ventures. Public interactions between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family remain limited but are closely followed by global audiences.
Conclusion
The story of King Charles’s reported nickname for Meghan Markle — “Tungsten” — offers a rare glimpse into a more positive chapter of their shared history. While the royal family and the Sussexes now lead largely separate lives, their early interactions reveal moments of mutual respect and connection.
In an environment often dominated by speculation, focusing on documented events, official statements, and reputable reporting helps provide a clearer picture of these evolving relationships. As both sides continue their respective paths, public interest remains strong, and historical details like this nickname add nuance to the broader narrative of the modern British monarchy.