Prince Philip mocked Meghan Markle with disrespectful moniker
In the intricate history of the British Royal Family, personal opinions often surface through the lens of biographies and expert accounts. One of the more persistent stories involves the late Prince Philip and his perspective on the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle.
According to several royal historians, the Duke of Edinburgh held a distinct view of his grandson’s wife—one that was shaped by the monarchy’s past and a specific set of historical parallels.
A Shorthand for History: The "DoW" Reference
It has been widely reported by royal biographers like Hugo Vickers and Ingrid Seward that Prince Philip occasionally referred to Meghan as "The American" or, more privately, "DoW." The latter was shorthand for the Duchess of Windsor, a reference to Wallis Simpson.
The Connection: Like Meghan, Wallis Simpson was an American divorcee whose marriage to a senior royal—King Edward VIII—led to a monumental shift in the monarchy.
The Perspective: Philip, who spent his life dedicated to the "firm" and traditional duty, reportedly felt that the similarities between the two women were "uncanny."
1. The Legacy of Duty
For Prince Philip, the monarchy was a life of service that required personal sacrifice. His "DoW" moniker wasn't just a nickname; it represented his concern that history might repeat itself. He was wary of anyone he perceived as having a "theatrical" background or whose arrival might disrupt the established order he had worked decades to protect.
2. A Canny Observer of People
While the nickname might seem dismissive, experts suggest it came from Philip’s "canny" nature.
The Modern Lesson: The Power of Labels
The story of Philip’s private nickname for Meghan offers a broader lesson about how we perceive newcomers in established groups:
The Trap of Comparison: When we label someone based on the past, we often fail to see them as individuals. Philip’s habit of seeing "the Duchess of Windsor" in Meghan may have prevented a more authentic connection from forming.
Respecting Different Backgrounds: Every family or organization faces friction when new perspectives enter the fold. True resilience in a group comes from finding a middle ground between "the way things have always been" and the fresh energy of a newcomer.
Bridging the Gap
While the late Duke was known for his sharp tongue and traditionalist views, his nicknames remind us how deeply historical memory influences the present. Understanding these dynamics helps us see the human side of a global institution—showing that even in palaces, family tensions often boil down to differing views on loyalty and change.
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