According to a royal expert, the late Prince Philip had a rather pointed nickname for the Duchess of Sussex, and it wasn’t so kind.
The nickname suggested a comparison to Wallis Simpson, the controversial wife of the former King Edward VIII, drawing parallels between Meghan Markle and Wallis, both American and divorced when they married into the royal family.
Prince Philip supposedly referred to Meghan with a name that made reference to this connection.
Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII
Wallis Simpson, an American divorcée who became the Duchess of Windsor, was one of the most controversial royal figures in recent history after King Edward VIII decided to abdicate the throne in December 1936 (after less than a year as a monarch) to be able to marry her.
At the time, royals were prohibited from entering into a marriage with a divorced person – a rule that did not change until 2002, just three years before the then-Prince Charles married Camilla, per the Royal Observer.
Following King Edward and Wallis Simpson’s marriage, they were not allowed to return home without the permission of his brother, the new King George VI, as there were fears it could potentially cause public unrest, Vogue detailed.
During their years of exile, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor constantly attracted headlines – with one of their most shocking incidents occurring in 1937 when they visited Nazi Germany and were photographed giving the notorious Nazi salute upon meeting Adolf Hitler.
A Divisive Nickname for Meghan Markle
According to a royal expert, the late Prince Philip was known for his sharp wit, and it seems that Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, was not spared from his candid humor. Reportedly, Prince Philip had a rather biting nickname for Meghan, comparing her to one of the most controversial figures in royal history—Wallis Simpson. This nickname was no casual jab, as it suggested a parallel between the two women, both American divorcées who married into the British royal family, bringing with them waves of public scrutiny and challenges for the monarchy.
The Wallis Simpson Connection
Wallis Simpson, the woman for whom King Edward VIII abdicated the throne in 1936, became synonymous with royal scandal. Her relationship with Edward led to a constitutional crisis, forcing him to choose between the woman he loved and the crown. The comparison between Meghan and Wallis likely stemmed from their shared backgrounds as American women who found themselves at the center of royal family tensions. Both Meghan and Wallis entered the royal fold amid controversy, with public and media scrutiny following their every move.
A Troubling Historical Parallel
The abdication crisis in 1936 changed the course of British history, as King Edward VIII stepped down from the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, who was not only American but also twice divorced. This decision sent shockwaves throughout the royal family and the nation, leading to Edward and Wallis living a life in exile, away from the responsibilities of royal duties. The comparison between Meghan and Wallis could be seen as a critique of Meghan’s own departure from the royal family alongside Prince Harry, following their decision to step back from royal duties in 2020.
Royal Rule and Marriages
Historically, the British monarchy placed strict rules on whom its members could marry, particularly concerning divorce. These regulations were only officially relaxed in 2002, decades after Wallis and Edward’s marriage. For many in the royal family, Wallis represented a break from tradition, much like Meghan’s entry into the royal family sparked debates about modernization, tradition, and the media’s influence on royal life.
Wallis and Edward’s Infamous Nazi Connection
One of the most scandalous aspects of Wallis and Edward’s legacy was their ill-advised 1937 visit to Nazi Germany, where they were photographed meeting Adolf Hitler and giving the Nazi salute. This episode permanently damaged their reputations and added to their complex, controversial legacy. While Meghan and Harry’s controversies are of a different nature, the echoes of a royal couple challenging the system and stirring up debate have led some to draw parallels between the two women.
A Reflection on the Nickname
Though it is not uncommon for royals to use sharp nicknames, Prince Philip’s comparison of Meghan to Wallis Simpson highlights the underlying tensions and generational divides within the family. Whether or not the nickname was meant as a harsh critique or simply a reflection of the challenges both women faced, it underscores the royal family’s ongoing struggle with modernity, media scrutiny, and the pressures placed on those who marry into “The Firm.”
What are your thoughts on this comparison? Do you think the parallel between Meghan Markle and Wallis Simpson is fair, or is it an outdated perspective on modern royalty? Let us know in the comments!