Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, as well as Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII, share some notable parallels in their respective situations and relationships with the British royal family. Here are some of the key similarities:
Marrying an American Divorcee: Both Prince Harry and King Edward VIII married American divorcees, which was historically considered controversial within the British monarchy. Meghan Markle, an American actress, and Wallis Simpson, an American socialite, were both divorced when they entered into their relationships with members of the British royal family.
Abdication and Leaving the Royal Family: King Edward VIII's relationship with Wallis Simpson led to a constitutional crisis in 1936 when he chose to abdicate the throne to marry her, as the Church of England and the British government opposed his marrying a divorced woman. Similarly, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to step back from their senior royal roles in early 2020, known as "Megxit," caused significant media attention and discussions about the role of modern royals.
Media Scrutiny and Pressures: Both couples faced intense media scrutiny and public interest surrounding their relationships. The media's intrusive coverage and tabloid rumors have been challenging for Meghan Markle and Wallis Simpson, who have been subject to criticism and negative portrayals in the press.
Personal Struggles and Mental Health: Both Meghan Markle and Wallis Simpson have spoken about the difficulties they faced in dealing with the pressures and expectations that come with being involved with the British royal family. Meghan has been open about her struggles with mental health, while Wallis Simpson faced public vilification and had to deal with the impact of her relationship with King Edward VIII on her personal life.
Controversy Surrounding the Royal Family: The relationships of both couples caused controversy within the royal family and raised questions about the monarchy's ability to adapt to changing societal norms and expectations.
Life Outside Royal Duties: After abdication, King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson lived abroad and led relatively private lives, away from the full glare of the royal spotlight. Similarly, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle relocated to the United States and have pursued their own projects and charitable endeavors outside of their previous royal roles.
It's important to note that while there are parallels between these two couples, there are also significant differences in their historical contexts, personal backgrounds, and the broader societal attitudes towards divorce and the monarchy at their respective times. Each couple's situation is unique, and the complexities of their experiences should be recognized and understood within their individual historical and social contexts.