According to a recent report, an upcoming book by Ingrid Seward, a biographer of the UK royal family, has unveiled Prince Philip’s alleged “spiteful” nickname for Meghan Markle. The late Duke of Edinburgh supposedly referred to Markle as the “Duchess of Windsor,” drawing parallels between her and the controversial American socialite Wallis Simpson. The book, titled “My Mother And I,” explores Philip’s perspective on Markle, highlighting the perceived similarities between the two women. Seward suggests that Philip found it “uncanny” how much Markle reminded him of Wallis Simpson.
The historical context of Wallis Simpson’s marriage to Edward VIII in 1937, following his abdication from the British throne, appears to have influenced Philip’s perception of Markle. Similarities include both Simpson and Markle entering into matrimony as divorced women. Markle was previously married to film producer Trevor Engelson from 2011 until their separation in 2014. According to Seward, Queen Elizabeth II initially had a favorable opinion of Markle. She allegedly “approved” of the actress when introduced by Prince Harry in 2017, but with a hint of reservation. The Queen reportedly criticized Markle’s wedding dress as “too white” due to her previous marriage.
In January 2020, Markle and Prince Harry decided to step back as senior members of the royal family, relocating to California. This decision draws parallels with the exit of Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, who fled to France after his abdication.