Does Prince Philip Like Meghan Markle? Unpacking Their Royal Relationship

Darrel Greenholt 30 Jul 2025

The relationship between members of the British Royal Family and those who marry into it often sparks a great deal of public interest, and it's certainly a topic that captures many imaginations. One connection that has, quite frankly, generated a lot of discussion over the years is that between the late Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. People often wonder what their true dynamic was like, especially given the various reports that have come out since Meghan joined the family. So, was there a strong bond, or were things a little more complicated than some might imagine?

It's a question that many royal watchers have pondered, and it really gets to the heart of how new individuals integrate into such an established institution. Prince Philip, who had spent decades as a central figure in the monarchy, had a particular way of looking at things, and it's perhaps natural to consider how he viewed Prince Harry's wife, Meghan Markle, as she stepped into the royal fold. We're going to explore what has been reported about their interactions and his reported feelings.

To really get a sense of this, we'll look at some of the details that have surfaced from various royal observers and biographers. It's an interesting story, showing how different personalities and expectations can sometimes lead to, well, a somewhat complex picture. We will, of course, keep reading for more details on this intriguing royal connection, and what it might tell us about the Duke's perspective on the monarchy's future, as he saw it.

Prince Philip: A Brief Look at His Life
The Duke of Edinburgh's Initial Wariness
The Nickname That Raised Eyebrows
Disappointment Over Royal Commitment
Struggling to Understand Royal Life Rejection
A Doubt From the Very Beginning?
Prince Harry's Enduring Affection
Frequently Asked Questions About Prince Philip and Meghan Markle

Prince Philip: A Brief Look at His Life

Before we get into the specifics of his relationship with Meghan Markle, it's helpful to know a little more about Prince Philip himself. He was, after all, a man who dedicated his entire adult life to supporting the Queen and the monarchy. His personal journey and long experience within the royal family certainly shaped his views on commitment and duty, which, it seems, played a part in how he perceived others entering that very particular world.

Born in Corfu, Greece, into the Greek and Danish royal families, Philip had a rather unique upbringing. He joined the Royal Navy in 1939 and served with distinction during World War II. His marriage to Princess Elizabeth in 1947 marked the beginning of a life of unparalleled public service. He was known for his forthright manner, his dedication to various causes, and his dry wit. This background, you know, really gives context to his expectations for those who married into the Royal Family.

Personal Details and Biography of Prince Philip

Detail	Information
Full Name	Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Born	June 10, 1921
Died	April 9, 2021
Spouse	Queen Elizabeth II
Children	King Charles III, Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh
Role	Consort to Queen Elizabeth II
Service	Royal Navy (WWII)
Known For	His dedication to public service, his support of the Queen, and his sometimes blunt humor.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Initial Wariness

It has been reported, quite widely, that when Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, married into the royal family in 2018, Prince Philip was one of the members of the establishment who was rather wary about the American. This wariness, it seems, wasn't necessarily personal dislike but more a general caution about how a new personality might fit into the very specific structure of royal life. He had, after all, seen many changes over his long years of service.

According to some accounts, the Duke of Edinburgh reportedly used a nickname with a historical reference for Meghan Markle, and he was, you know, quite 'wary' of her. He even pointed out that she would be 'disruptive' for the royal family. This suggests a concern about the potential impact of her presence on the established order, which is something a long-serving royal might naturally consider. It wasn't, perhaps, about her as a person, but more about the potential shift she represented.

A royal biographer, Ingrid Seward, has detailed not only the Queen's fondness for Meghan Markle but also the wariness from her husband, Prince Philip. This highlights a nuanced picture, where different family members might have had differing perspectives on Meghan's integration. It's almost as if he was observing, trying to figure out how things would unfold, and, in a way, preparing for what he perceived as potential changes to the royal landscape.

His reported wariness might have stemmed from a deep understanding of the royal institution's need for stability and continuity. He had, after all, lived through numerous periods of change and adaptation within the monarchy. So, when a new individual with a very different background came into the fold, it's understandable that he might have taken a cautious, perhaps even a somewhat watchful, stance, just to see how things would settle down.

This initial caution, it's said, wasn't unique to Meghan. Prince Philip had, in fact, interacted with many members of the royal family over the decades, and his views on new arrivals were often rooted in his experience and his deep commitment to the monarchy's enduring strength. He was, in some respects, a guardian of tradition, and any perceived deviation from that might have caused him to feel a bit uneasy, at least at first.

The Nickname That Raised Eyebrows

Perhaps one of the most talked-about aspects of Prince Philip's reported view of Meghan Markle is the seemingly rather pointed nickname he allegedly used for her. According to a bombshell excerpt from a forthcoming book by royal biographer Ingrid Seward, Prince Philip had a rather revealing nickname for Meghan Markle. It's a detail that has, quite frankly, captured a lot of attention and sparked much discussion.

This nickname, Seward claims, was "DOW," which stands for "Duchess of Windsor." Now, this is a loaded moniker, evoking Wallis Simpson, the American divorcee who, as many know, shook the monarchy to its very core when King Edward VIII abdicated the throne to marry her. A royal expert has revealed that Prince Philip couldn't get away from striking similarities between Meghan and this different duchess, which is quite a significant comparison to make.

The use of such a nickname suggests that Prince Philip saw parallels between Meghan's situation and that of Wallis Simpson, particularly her American background and perhaps the perceived impact she might have on the royal family. It's not just a casual nickname; it's one that carries a lot of historical weight and implies a certain level of concern or observation on his part. This choice of name, you know, speaks volumes about his reported perspective.

It's important to remember that this nickname was reportedly never said to her face, according to a royal expert speaking about the late Duke of Edinburgh. This makes it a private observation, perhaps shared only within very close circles, but it still offers a window into his reported thoughts and feelings about Meghan's arrival and her place within the royal structure. It's a rather telling detail, isn't it, about his initial assessment?

The historical echo of the Duchess of Windsor is quite strong, and for someone like Prince Philip, who lived through so much of the monarchy's modern history, such a comparison would likely not have been made lightly. It suggests a deep-seated concern about the potential for disruption or a repeat of past challenges, something he would naturally want to avoid for the stability of the institution he had served for so long. It's, like, a very significant historical reference.

Disappointment Over Royal Commitment

Beyond the initial wariness and the revealing nickname, reports also suggest that Prince Philip held specific expectations for those who married into the royal family, particularly regarding their commitment to royal life. According to royal biographer Ingrid Seward, Philip couldn’t understand why Meghan Markle didn’t follow his example when she married Prince Harry in May 2018. This points to a perceived difference in approach to royal duty.

The late Prince Philip was reportedly disappointed with Meghan Markle for not choosing to give up her own career to solely focus on supporting Prince Harry. This perspective aligns with his own life's commitment, where he famously gave up his naval career to support Queen Elizabeth II. It is therefore unsurprising that Philip would expect a similar level of commitment to the family from others, especially those joining the inner circle.

His own experience shaped his views quite profoundly. He had, after all, made significant personal sacrifices for his royal role, and he likely believed that such dedication was a fundamental requirement for anyone stepping into a senior position within the monarchy. So, when Meghan did not, in his reported view, fully embrace this traditional path of giving up her previous professional life, it apparently caused him some disappointment.

This feeling of disappointment, it seems, wasn't about a lack of personal warmth, but rather a clash of expectations regarding the very nature of royal service. He had, perhaps, a clear idea of what it meant to be a royal spouse, and when Meghan's actions didn't perfectly align with that vision, it became a point of concern for him. It's, you know, a very traditional outlook on royal responsibilities.

His long years of service, filled with unwavering support for the Crown, meant that he had a deeply ingrained sense of duty. For him, the royal role was a full-time, all-encompassing commitment, and he likely felt that any deviation from that could weaken the institution. This might explain why he struggled to understand Meghan's choices, viewing them through the lens of his own lifelong dedication to the monarchy, which was, quite frankly, absolute.

Struggling to Understand Royal Life Rejection

The challenges in understanding Meghan Markle's approach to royal life became even more pronounced, it seems, when she and Prince Harry made the decision to step back from their senior royal roles. Prince Philip reportedly struggled to understand Meghan Markle's rejection of royal life, especially after she and Prince Harry quit their royal roles. This was a significant shift, and one that likely perplexed a man who had lived his entire life in royal service.

For someone like Prince Philip, who had personally made the ultimate commitment to the monarchy, the idea of stepping away from royal duties, particularly after marrying into the family, would have been very difficult to grasp. His own life was a testament to dedication and unwavering support for the Crown, so a move like "Megxit," as it was dubbed, would have gone against everything he understood about royal duty. It's, you know, a fundamental difference in perspective.

He had, in a way, always embodied the principle of putting duty first, above personal desires or career ambitions. So, when Meghan and Harry chose a different path, it likely presented a conceptual hurdle for him. It wasn't just a personal choice; it was a departure from a long-standing tradition of service that he deeply respected and upheld. This struggle to comprehend, it seems, was quite genuine for him.

The notion of "royal life" for Prince Philip was perhaps synonymous with unwavering public service and a willingness to put the institution above all else. When Meghan, and Harry alongside her, opted for a different kind of life, it challenged his deeply held beliefs about what it meant to be a part of the royal family. It's almost as if he couldn't reconcile their choices with the very definition of royal commitment he had lived by for so many decades.

His difficulty in understanding this rejection of royal life underscores his own profound commitment and his belief in the unique responsibilities that come with being a member of the monarchy. He had, after all, given up so much himself, and perhaps he felt that others should be prepared to do the same. This perspective, you know, really shaped his views on the matter, and it made the Sussexes' decision quite hard for him to process.

A Doubt From the Very Beginning?

Interestingly, some reports suggest that Prince Philip's reservations about the relationship between his grandson, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle might have begun even earlier than their marriage. In fact, Ingrid Seward claims that Prince Philip began to doubt the relationship between his grandson and Meghan back in 2018 when Harry pulled out of a shooting weekend. This specific event, apparently, raised some questions for the Duke.

For Prince Philip, who valued tradition and shared activities, Harry's withdrawal from a long-standing family event, especially one like a shooting weekend, might have been seen as an early sign of shifting priorities or influence. It was, in some respects, an indicator that things were changing within the family dynamic, and perhaps not in a way that he fully approved of. This was, arguably, a very early warning sign for him.

This particular incident suggests that his wariness wasn't an immediate reaction to Meghan joining the family, but perhaps something that developed as he observed the changes taking place. The shooting weekend, a traditional royal pastime, would have been a familiar and expected event, and Harry's absence might have signaled a departure from what Philip considered normal or proper royal behavior. It's, like, a small detail that apparently meant a lot.

His expectation for commitment to the family, as discussed earlier, might have extended to participation in these traditional family gatherings. So, when Harry opted out, it could have been interpreted by Philip as a sign that the relationship was already having a disruptive influence, even before the marriage. This early doubt, you know, might have colored his subsequent observations and feelings about Meghan's role within the family.

It's worth considering that Prince Philip, having been a part of the royal family for so long, would have been acutely aware of the subtle shifts and influences within the household. A seemingly small act, like pulling out of a shooting weekend, could have been perceived by him as a larger indication of where things were headed, triggering his initial doubts and wariness about the future of the relationship and its impact on the royal family as a whole.

Prince Harry's Enduring Affection

Despite the various reports about Prince Philip's cautious views on Meghan Markle, it's clear that Prince Harry held his grandfather in very high regard. After Prince Philip died in 2021, Prince Harry said that he, his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children would “always hold a special place” for his grandfather “in their hearts.” This sentiment from Harry speaks volumes about his deep personal bond with Philip.

This statement from Prince Harry, made in the wake of his grandfather's passing, underscores the enduring love and respect he had for Prince Philip. It suggests that, regardless of any reported complexities in Philip's views on Meghan or the Sussexes' decisions, the personal connection between grandson and grandfather remained strong and cherished. It's, you know, a very heartfelt tribute.

It highlights the idea that family relationships, even within the unique context of the monarchy, are multifaceted. While there might have been differing opinions or approaches to royal duty, the underlying familial affection can still be very powerful. Harry's words paint a picture of a cherished bond that transcended any reported disagreements or wariness on Philip's part. It's almost as if, despite everything, the love remained.

This public declaration from Harry serves as a reminder that personal feelings often run deeper than public perceptions or reported tensions. It's a testament to the strong influence Prince Philip had on his grandson's life, and the lasting impact he left on him and his family. The fact that Meghan is included in this sentiment suggests that, from Harry's perspective, she was very much a part of their shared family unit, and that Philip held a special place for all of them.

So, while the question of "Does Prince Philip like Meghan Markle?" might bring up stories of wariness and nicknames, it's also important to remember the enduring affection from Prince Harry. The complexities of royal relationships are, you know, often layered, and this particular bond between grandfather and grandson seems to have been a very significant one, holding a special place in their hearts, even after Philip's passing. Learn more about royal family dynamics on our site, and you can also find out more about the Duke of Edinburgh's life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Prince Philip and Meghan Markle

1. Did Prince Philip have a nickname for Meghan Markle?

Yes, according to royal biographer Ingrid Seward, Prince Philip reportedly used the nickname "DOW" for Meghan Markle. This moniker, quite interestingly, stands for "Duchess of Windsor," drawing a historical parallel to Wallis Simpson, the American divorcee who married King Edward VIII after his abdication. It's a very loaded comparison, suggesting some historical reflection on Philip's part, though it was reportedly never said to her face.

2. Why was Prince Philip reportedly wary of Meghan Markle?

Prince Philip was reportedly wary of Meghan Markle because he pointed out that she would be "disruptive" for the royal family. This wariness stemmed from his deep understanding of the monarchy's need for stability and tradition. He also reportedly struggled to understand her decision not to give up her career to solely focus on supporting Prince Harry, viewing it as a departure from the level of commitment he expected from those marrying into the family, especially after his own example.

3. What did Prince Philip think about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry quitting their royal roles?

Prince Philip reportedly struggled greatly to understand Meghan Markle's rejection of royal life, especially after she and Prince Harry decided to step back from their senior royal roles. For Philip, who had dedicated his entire life to royal service and made significant personal sacrifices, the idea of stepping away from these duties was likely very difficult to comprehend. He had, you know, a very traditional view of royal commitment, and this decision went against that deeply held belief.

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