Prince Philip, the late consort of Queen Elizabeth II, had a discerning eye when it came to Meghan Markle’s entry into the royal family. Unlike his wife, Philip harbored skepticism towards Meghan from the very beginning, drawing uncanny parallels between her and Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor. This skepticism is detailed in royal expert Ingrid Seward’s 2024 book, “My Mother and I,” shedding light on Philip’s apprehensions and the historical echoes he perceived.

The Shadow of Wallis Simpson
Wallis Simpson, the twice-divorced American socialite, is infamous for her role in the abdication crisis of 1936. King Edward VIII, besotted with Simpson, renounced the throne to marry her, leading to a seismic shift in the British monarchy. Edward, subsequently styled as the Duke of Windsor, lived in exile with Wallis in Paris, forever casting a shadow over the royal family.

Meghan Markle, an American actress and divorcee, married Prince Harry in 2018. Their union, followed by their departure from royal duties in 2020 (dubbed “Megxit”), stirred memories of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Prince Philip, with his acute sense of history and intuition, was quick to note the similarities.

Philip’s Initial Apprehensions
Ingrid Seward reveals in her book that Philip was wary of Meghan from the start, even nicknaming her “DoW” — shorthand for the Duchess of Windsor. His wariness stemmed not only from Meghan’s American background and divorcee status but also from what he perceived as deeper, more troubling similarities to Wallis Simpson.

Seward writes, “One of the few wary of succumbing to her charm offensive, however, was Prince Philip. 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.”

This comparison wasn’t merely superficial. Philip saw a wealth of subtext in Meghan’s persona and actions that mirrored those of Wallis Simpson. He noted how both women, slim, dark-haired, and glamorous, seemed to wield significant influence over their royal partners.

Historical Parallels
The abdication of Edward VIII was a monumental event in British history, the only voluntary resignation of the throne in over a millennium. This act of love led to Elizabeth II’s father, George VI, ascending the throne, a role he was unprepared for and which ultimately took a toll on his health. The royal family harbored a lasting resentment towards Edward and Wallis, blaming them for the stress and strain placed on George VI, which they believed contributed to his early death from lung cancer in 1952.

Edward’s abdication was particularly scandalous because, as the nominal head of the Church of England, he was forbidden from marrying a divorcee whose ex-spouses were still alive. Wallis Simpson’s controversial past and reputation only compounded the royal family’s disapproval. Her affinity for jewels and her racy background, which included being described as a “tart” by Joseph Kennedy, the American ambassador to Great Britain at the time, and being shunned by his wife, Rose, added to her notoriety.

Meghan and Harry: Modern Echoes of the Past
Prince Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal duties and their subsequent public critiques of the monarchy have drawn comparisons to Edward and Wallis. Their highly publicized interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, where Meghan wore a dress reminiscent of Wallis Simpson’s style, further fueled these parallels. Meghan and Harry’s monetized narratives and media ventures are seen by many royal historians as modern echoes of Edward and Wallis’s own contentious relationship with the royal family.

Philip’s concerns about Meghan were not widely shared within the royal family at first. Queen Elizabeth II, known for her steadfast support of family members, welcomed Meghan with open arms. However, Philip’s reservations stemmed from a lifetime of royal duty and a keen awareness of historical patterns.

A Legacy of Skepticism
Prince Philip, who passed away on April 9, 2021, left behind a legacy of service and dedication to the monarchy. His skepticism about Meghan Markle reflects his deep understanding of the fragile balance within the royal family and the potential disruptions that external influences can cause.

Seward’s book sheds light on Philip’s unique perspective and his ability to foresee potential challenges. His comparison of Meghan to Wallis Simpson was not merely about their shared American and divorcee status but about the profound impact both women had on the monarchy.

Philip’s nickname for Meghan, “DoW,” encapsulates his concerns about her influence and the potential repercussions for the royal family. His foresight and cautionary stance underscore the complexities and vulnerabilities inherent in maintaining the stability and continuity of the British monarchy.

Moving Forward
As the royal family navigates the modern era, the lessons from history, as highlighted by Prince Philip’s skepticism, remain pertinent. The parallels between Meghan Markle and Wallis Simpson serve as a reminder of the enduring challenges faced by the monarchy in integrating new members and adapting to changing societal norms.

While Meghan and Harry’s journey has diverged significantly from the traditional royal path, their story continues to captivate and challenge perceptions of the monarchy. Prince Philip’s initial apprehensions, as detailed by Ingrid Seward, provide a nuanced understanding of the delicate balance between tradition and modernity within the royal family.

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Source: https://okmagazine.com/p/prince-philip-harbored-initial-skepticism-meghan-markle-role-monarchy/