Once upon a time, King Charles and Meghan Markle shared a warmly cordial relationship before her departure from the Royal Family. As with any family, bonds can change over time, and while little is publicly disclosed about King Charles’ current sentiments, it’s easy to assume their dynamic may be different now. Despite this, the king had a unique nickname for Meghan – one you might not expect.
The emergence of the romance between his son, Prince Harry, and Meghan took King Charles by surprise. Noted royal experts Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand detail this in their book, “Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of the Modern Royal Family.” The revelation of their relationship was a true headline-grabber, but King Charles only learned of it 20 minutes prior to the public announcement, reportedly much to his shock.
While the surprise news undoubtedly stirred the royal circles, King Charles’ initial dismay wasn’t entirely due to Harry’s choice of partner. The timing was less than ideal because Prince Charles was about to embark on a key diplomatic tour in the Middle East. The unexpected announcement was feared to eclipse important press coverage of his official duties.
According to Scobie and Durand, a carefully crafted tour had been planned for months, and the coinciding announcement threatened to sideline its importance in the media. It was a sensitive period and, while frustrating, Charles recognized that Harry and Meghan needed to proceed with sharing their personal news.
The Endearing “Tungsten” Nickname
As the months passed and Meghan became more integrated into the royal family, her relationship with King Charles strengthened. His support was evident when he walked her down the aisle during her wedding to Harry, in the absence of her own father. It was around this time that a Palace insider, Charlotte Griffiths, revealed to the Mail a unique nickname King Charles affectionately gave Meghan: “Tungsten.”
This nickname holds its own special meaning. Tungsten is known as a chemical element with the highest melting point, symbolizing strength. In Griffiths’ words, Prince Charles admired Meghan for her resilience and could see the sturdy support she provided to Harry. For him, who could sometimes be tender-hearted, Meghan’s steadfast and durable nature was much appreciated, and the nickname “Tungsten” became quite the term of endearment.
An Admirable Monarch
Despite the ups and downs within family dynamics, it’s evident that King Charles saw something remarkable in Meghan’s character. Their journey together, especially during public ceremonies, showcased a form of modern royal family adaptation, valuing strength and personal support.
What do you think of King Charles as a monarch and his unique connection with Meghan Markle? Feel free to share your thoughts, as the story of modern royalty often resonates with deeper familial connections and emotional ties.
