Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, as well as Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII, have been associated with significant controversies and have drawn attention for their relationships with members of the British royal family. Here are some parallels between the two couples:
Marrying American Divorcees: Both Meghan Markle and Wallis Simpson were American divorcees when they entered into relationships with British royalty. In the case of Wallis Simpson, she had been married and divorced twice before meeting King Edward VIII. Meghan Markle was previously married to Trevor Engelson before marrying Prince Harry.
Royal Abdications: King Edward VIII's relationship with Wallis Simpson led to a constitutional crisis, as he insisted on marrying her despite strong opposition from the British government and the Church of England. Eventually, in 1936, King Edward VIII abdicated the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, becoming the only British monarch to voluntarily relinquish the throne.
While Prince Harry did not abdicate the throne, he and Meghan Markle's decision to step back as senior members of the royal family in early 2020 (referred to as "Megxit") also caused significant controversy and media attention. They cited the desire for financial independence and a more private life as their reasons for stepping back.
- Media Scrutiny and Public Opinion: Both couples faced intense media scrutiny and public opinion. Wallis Simpson was heavily criticized in the British press and was often portrayed as an unsuitable match for the King due to her two previous marriages and her status as an American commoner.
Meghan Markle also faced significant media scrutiny, with some media outlets and tabloids subjecting her to negative press coverage, racism, and intense public scrutiny. The couple has been vocal about the impact of media intrusion on their mental health and well-being.
- Seeking Privacy and Independence: In both cases, the couples sought a degree of privacy and independence from the traditional royal roles. King Edward VIII's desire to marry Wallis Simpson led to his abdication, which allowed him to live in exile with her outside the UK for most of their lives.
Similarly, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to step back from their royal roles and seek financial independence was motivated, in part, by a desire to escape intense media attention and live a more private life outside the UK.
It's important to note that while there are some parallels between the two couples, there are also significant differences in historical context, the nature of their relationships, and the outcomes of their decisions. Each couple's circumstances were unique, and their experiences have been shaped by the times in which they lived and the complexities of their individual relationships with the British monarchy.