Old Concerns Proven? Prince Philip's Warning Of Meghan Is Highlighted

Prince Philip (Photo: Instagram/@1921_of_edinburgh_1921_2021)

JAKARTA - Prince Harry's decision to marry Meghan Markle in November 2017 was greeted with concern by several members of the royal family, including his own grandfather, Prince Philip. Despite being known outspoken, Philip's warning to Harry at that time was very firm.

According to author Andrew Lownie in his book Entitled, Prince Philip delivered a direct warning to his grandson.

"A person may hang out with an actress, but not marry her," he said, quoted from the People page.

The quote illustrates Philip's deep doubts about Harry's decision to marry Meghan, especially as their relationship lasted about 16 months before getting engaged.

Ingrid Seward, author of the royal biography, once revealed that Philip was one of the most careful family members of Meghan's charm at the beginning of her relationship with Harry.

Philip felt there was a resemblance between Meghan and Wallis Simpson, an American socialite who made Edward VIII take the throne to marry her. Due to this impression, Philip reportedly gave Meghan the nickname 'DOW' (Duchess of Windsor) referring to Wallis.

Apart from Philip, Prince William has also advised Harry to slow down the relationship. In his memoir Share, Harry wrote that William said, "It's too soon. It's too early."

But Harry continued to move forward with his own beliefs. After their marriage in May 2018, Meghan's life as a member of the royal family did not go as expected. When the Sussex pair decided to step down from royal duties in 2020, Philip's views were reportedly changing.

Ingrid Seward said Philip did not understand why Meghan could not follow in her footsteps in adapting. As Queen Elizabeth II's husband, Philip has given up his military career, his citizenship, and his surname.

Seward said Philip had wondered, "Why can't Meghan leave her acting career and support her husband and monarchy?".

When the Megxit crisis peaked and the Queen held a family meeting in Sandringham, Philip chose not to join. He was even said to have openly distanced from the matter. Seward said Philip felt it would be better not to get involved because he was too embarrassed by the evolving situation.

Philip's doubts about Meghan are also said to have come from the experience of his previous family, particularly the relationship between his second son, Prince Andrew and American actress Koo Stark in the early 1980s. The relationship was initially serious but ran aground due to media pressure and the dynamics of royal life.

Seeing the similarities in the situation, Philip is strongly suspected of wanting to prevent Harry from repeating the same history.

Until the end of his life, Prince Philip was known as an honest and realistic figure. His warning to Harry was not meant to prohibit, but as advice based on a long experience in the royal family.