In a surprising revelation, Prince Philip’s unique nickname for Meghan Markle has been 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, delves 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.”
Seward’s biography also discloses the Queen’s evolving opinion of Markle. Initially approving of Prince Harry’s choice, the monarch later expressed reservations about the Duchess of Sussex’s wedding dress, deeming it “too white” for a divorcee.
The Queen would later comment that perhaps Prince Harry had been “too in love” with the American actress.
Seward added that Prince Philip “never appeared to change his mind about Meghan”.
Queen Elizabeth’s disapproval of Markle deepened when reports emerged that she was allegedly unhappy with Harry and his wife after they claimed to have obtained the Queen’s approval for naming their daughter Lilibet.
The trouble seemingly began in 2021, when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed their daughter’s name, Lilibet, asserting they sought the Queen’s permission and wouldn’t have proceeded if she objected.
The name, a cherished childhood nickname of the Queen and endearingly used by Prince Philip, has now sparked controversy after the release of Robert Hardman’s latest book, Charles III: New King, New Court revealed that a royal aide disclosed the late Queen’s strong disapproval of the move.
Over two years ago, Palace insiders stated that the Queen was “never consulted” on Lilibet’s name before the birth of the Sussexes’ first daughter in June 2021.