Once upon a time, King Charles and Meghan Markle shared a warm relationship when she was still part of the British Royal Family. Though current sentiments are not as widely known, it’s believed the bond has become a bit strained. Despite this, King Charles had a unique nickname for Meghan that might catch many by surprise.
Back in the day when King Charles was still Prince Charles, he was taken aback upon learning of his son, Prince Harry’s romance with the American actress. According to royal experts Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, in their book “Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of the Modern Royal Family,” Charles only found out about their relationship shortly before it became public.
It’s said that the news reached him just 20 minutes before it hit the headlines, leaving King Charles and the staff at Clarence House feeling quite stunned. The unexpected revelation of Harry’s new girlfriend left many “crushed,” though not solely due to family matters.
The timing couldn’t have been more inconvenient for Charles, who was on the brink of undertaking an important diplomatic tour to the Middle East. It seems the prince feared the news would divert attention from his royal engagements.
Such concerns were confirmed by Scobie and Durand who wrote about this pivotal moment in royal dynamics. It was a careful operation planned over several months that risked being overshadowed by a single announcement.
Charles’ team, who had meticulously prepared for his tour across the Gulf region, hoped it would gather substantial media coverage. Nonetheless, the timing of Harry and Meghan’s relationship announcement severely impacted those plans.
King Charles’ Feelings on the Matter
Despite the hiccup in arrangements, it was noted in “Finding Freedom” that Charles, though disappointed at the timing, understood why the couple had felt it necessary to go public with their romance.
As the sands of time shifted, Charles and Meghan’s relationship blossomed. When Meghan became his daughter-in-law, Charles was there to support her, even walking her down the aisle when her father was unable to attend.
King Charles’ Endearing Nickname for Meghan
It was during their time building a familial bond that Charles coined a special nickname for Meghan. According to Palace insider Charlotte Griffiths, he referred to her as “Tungsten,” a nod to the chemical element recognized for its incredibly high melting point.
This nickname, as explained by Griffiths in 2018, was a “term of endearment.” She noted that Charles admired Meghan for her resilience and the steadfast support she provided to Harry, who sometimes needed such strength in his life.
Griffiths highlighted that, “Prince Charles (now King Charles) appreciates Meghan for her strength and how she bolsters Harry, who can be a bit sensitive. ‘Tungsten’ has become a symbol of endearment in their dynamic.”
The connection between King Charles and Meghan had its roots in mutual respect and understanding, perhaps underlined by this unique moniker.
What are your thoughts on King Charles’ approach to family dynamics and his overall role as a monarch? It’s always intriguing to dive into the personal intricacies of the royal family and uncover the stories behind them.
