The late Prince Philip, who passed away at the age of 99 in April 2021, had a few reservations about his grandson Prince Harry‘s whirlwind romance with Meghan Markle.
Recently uncovered insights suggest that the Duke of Edinburgh didn’t readily embrace Markle into the royal family, primarily due to their rapid 16-month courtship, which led to engagement.
In his illuminating biography titled Entitled, royal biographer Andrew Lownie sheds light on Philip’s skepticism regarding the marriage.
The former royal reportedly cautioned Harry against marrying an actress, asserting, “One steps out with actresses; one doesn’t marry them.” This warning echoed Philip’s cautious nature and highlights the contrast between royal conventions and personal ties.
Another royal biographer, Ingrid Seward, adds depth to this narrative, suggesting that Philip was one of the few royals hesitant to succumb to Markle’s charm.
Even in the early stages of her relationship with Harry, he was said to have remained cautious.
It seemed that he bore an uncanny resemblance to Wallis Simpson, the woman King Edward VIII famously abdicated his throne for, which only added to Philip’s wariness.
In a nod to this resemblance, Prince Philip even referred to Markle as “DOW,” an acronym for Duchess of Windsor, a title associated with Simpson.
This nickname reflected the late Duke’s apprehensions, as he drew parallels between Meghan and a pivotal moment in royal history.
Beyond Philip’s reservations, it appears that he wasn’t the only family member concerned about the pace of Harry’s relationship.
Prince William, his brother, also voiced his discomfort, suggesting that Harry should slow down the proceedings.
In his memoir Spare, Harry recalled William warning him that the whirlwind nature of his romance with Meghan was “too fast” and “too soon.”
Despite these familial cautions, Harry remained undeterred, believing that he had to move quickly due to Meghan’s “biological clock,” as she was nearing 35 years old.
This sense of urgency propelled the couple into a highly publicized royal wedding in May 2018, yet their fairytale ended up taking a tumultuous turn shortly after.
As Meghan adjusted to the realities of royal life, it became clear that it was far different from the glamorous portrayal often depicted.
Philip’s worries grew, especially after Harry and Meghan opted to step back from royal duties and establish themselves in North America in early 2020, a chapter later dubbed “Megxit.”
Seward, reflecting on the late Duke’s mindset, posits that he struggled to comprehend Meghan’s choices.
He had sacrificed his own naval career and life as a prince to support Queen Elizabeth II, expecting a similar commitment from his grandson and his new granddaughter-in-law.
Philip couldn’t fathom why Meghan wouldn’t follow suit and fully embrace her new royal role.
After all, he had given up so much to uphold the monarchy’s principles.
His disappointment seemed to stem from a belief that Markle should prioritize supporting Harry and the institution over her aspirations as an actress and activist.
In many ways, Prince Philip‘s reflections on Meghan underscore a deeper tension between tradition and modernity within the royal family.
His staunch views reveal that while the monarchy evolves, the echoes of its storied past continue to shape its present, often resulting in strained relationships between younger royals and the older generation.
The revelations about Philip’s feelings serve as a poignant reminder of the complexities that accompany royal life.
As the family navigates its public and private personas, the lessons from history still resonate, reminding us how the legacies of past royals shape current dynamics.
