When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their decision to step down as working royals, the world was undoubtedly surprised. However, for Prince Philip, the news was both perplexing and infuriating.
Harry and Meghan’s departure from the Royal Family in 2020, commonly referred to as “Megxit”, signaled a major shift in the traditional dynamics of the Monarchy. The move was driven by the pair’s desire for a more independent and private life, distancing themselves from the intense media scrutiny that had been a constant presence in their lives.
While Harry and Meghan may have been hoping for some understanding from fellow members of The Firm, the response from Prince Philip was anything but, with a palace insider revealing to The Mirror that the senior royal was reportedly “deeply hurt” by the pair’s decision and asking “what the hell are they playing at?”.
“To say that the Duke feels let down would be a considerable understatement,” the insider told the publication.
“He is deeply hurt. But he was spitting blood when aides informed him what had happened. Philip has accused Harry and Meghan of lacking respect and he is weary of their behaviour.”
In addition to Philip’s response to Harry and Meghan’s departure coming to light, his unique nickname for Meghan was also recently uncovered, shedding light on the Duke of Edinburgh’s perspective on the American actress who joined the Royal Family.
The late Prince Philip, it has been reported, coined the shorthand “DoW” for Markle “from the moment he detected her apparent similarity to” Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor.
The Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson, played a pivotal role in British history when she prompted King Edward VIII to abdicate the throne in pursuit of their love. Prince Philip, having witnessed the consequences of such romantic entanglements within the Royal Family, maintained a cautious stance throughout.
Ingrid Seward, an esteemed author and editor of Majesty Magazine, delved into the intricate dynamics within the Royal Family in her latest biography, disclosing that while Queen Elizabeth II initially approved of Prince Harry’s fiancée during their first meeting at Buckingham Palace, Prince Philip remained skeptical, wary of succumbing to what he perceived as Meghan’s “charm offensive”.
The Queen’s initial approval of Markle was rooted in optimism for the positive impact the American actress could have alongside Prince Harry, especially for the youth of the Commonwealth.
Despite her popularity, Seward, in a section serialised in the Daily Mail, recounts Prince Philip’s consistent skepticism.
“One of the few wary of succumbing to her charm offensive, however, was Prince Philip,” she wrote.
“While the Queen continued to champion Harry’s new love, he warned his wife to be cautious. It was uncanny, he told her, how much Meghan reminded him of the Duchess of Windsor.”