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. The royal – who died in 2021 aged 99 – was married to the late Queen Elizabeth II since 1947.
Philip and Elizabeth, whom he affectionately called Lilibet, were both great-great-grandchildren of Queen Victoria. After marrying his wife, Philip decided to give up a few areas of life that he knew, including his birth citizenship, his naval career, and even his surname.
Philip is said to have not understood why his grandson’s wife, 43, couldn’t decide to give up her own career and, according to an expert, her desire to “have her voice [heard].”
Speaking to Sky News in 2020, royal expert Ingrid Seward said: “I think he’s very, very disappointed because I think he feels he gave up his naval career in order to stand by the Queen and help the monarchy.
“And why can’t Meghan just give up her acting career, support her husband and support the monarchy? He just cannot understand why she couldn’t support Harry and help him rather than wanting to have her voice.”
Prior to meeting Harry in 2016, Meghan had forged a successful career as an actress. Her most well-known role is her portrayal of Rachel Zane in the US drama Suits.
According to Ingrid, when Meghan and Harry decided to step down from royal duties, the late Queen held a summit in Sandringham to discuss the issue at hand.
However, she added that Philip—who had previously been close to Harry—didn’t want to participate in the talks about the Sussexes’ future outside of the monarchy.
Philip, Princess Kate, the now-Queen Camilla, and Meghan did not attend the meeting. Present for the summit were the late Queen, the then-Prince Charles, Prince William, and Harry.
Meghan was reportedly outraged that she couldn’t attend as she remained in Canada with their son Archie, then less than a year old.