King Charles and Meghan Markle once shared a notably warm relationship during her early days as a working royal. While the bond has faced significant strain in recent years amid the Sussexes’ departure from royal duties, ongoing family tensions, and public revelations, the King reportedly held a unique term of endearment for his daughter-in-law: “Tungsten.”
This one-word nickname, referencing the ultra-durable metal with the highest melting point of any element, symbolized Charles’ admiration for Meghan’s strength, resilience, and “steely” backbone.
Early Surprise and Growing Admiration
When Prince Harry first revealed he was dating Meghan Markle (then an American actress known for Suits), it reportedly caught the royal family off guard. According to the 2020 book Finding Freedom by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, then-Prince Charles and his team at Clarence House learned of the relationship just 20 minutes before the news went public. This timing reportedly “crushed” plans for coverage of Charles’ sensitive Middle East tour, as the announcement dominated headlines.
Despite the initial disappointment over the overshadowing of his duties, Charles was understanding of the couple’s need to go public. Over time, his relationship with Meghan blossomed. He famously walked her down the aisle at her 2018 wedding to Harry after her father was sidelined, showing early support.
Palace insiders revealed that Charles admired Meghan’s toughness. As reported in outlets like the Mail on Sunday, he privately called her “Tungsten” — a term of endearment highlighting her strength and the support she provided Harry, whom some described as needing a “tungsten-type figure” in his life.
“Prince Charles admires Meghan for her strength and the backbone she gives Harry… It’s become a term of endearment.” — Palace insider (2018)
The nickname underscored her ability to remain composed under intense public pressure, reflecting Charles’ view of her as “tough as nails” at her core.
The Nickname Resurfaces in 2026
Even years later, the “Tungsten” story continues to captivate royal watchers. Recent reports in 2026, including from RadarOnline, InStyle, and Cosmopolitan, have resurfaced the anecdote from new biographies and insider accounts. It offers a contrasting glimpse into Charles’ early positive impressions, predating the well-documented rifts.
This revelation comes amid renewed interest in the Sussexes’ dynamics with the Firm, especially as Harry and Meghan prepare for a potential UK return with their children, Archie and Lilibet, in summer 2026 — their first full family visit in years.
Current State of the Relationship: Strained but with Olive Branches?
The once-promising bond between King Charles and Meghan has evolved significantly since the couple stepped back as senior royals in 2020 and relocated to Montecito, California. Public projects like the Netflix series Harry & Meghan, Harry’s memoir Spare, and interviews have highlighted tensions, including security concerns, media scrutiny, and differing views on royal life.
As of mid-2026:
- King Charles, now in his late 70s and navigating health challenges, has expressed a desire to build closer ties with his grandchildren, whom he has seen infrequently.
- Reports indicate Charles has offered accommodations (potentially at Buckingham Palace or other royal estates) for the Sussexes’ upcoming UK trip, signaling diplomatic openness.
- However, insiders note ongoing caution, with some suggesting any reconciliation with Harry might be pursued cautiously, potentially without full involvement from Meghan in certain contexts.
- Meghan has reportedly extended subtle gestures, such as including Charles in anniversary posts or messages, interpreted by some as olive branches.
Royal experts remain divided: some see potential for healing driven by Charles’ desire to see Archie and Lilibet, while others highlight persistent trust issues and differing priorities.
Why “Tungsten” Still Matters in Royal Discourse
The nickname endures as a symbol of the complexity in royal family relationships. What began as praise for Meghan’s resilience has been revisited in 2026 amid discussions of strength, family rifts, and the pressures of modern monarchy. It humanizes Charles’ early view of his daughter-in-law beyond the headlines of royal feud, Sussex vs. Wales tensions, and high-stakes reconciliation talks.
As the Sussexes navigate their life in California — balancing Netflix deals, Archewell initiatives, and family time — and the King focuses on his duties and health, the “Tungsten” story reminds us of the nuanced personal dynamics behind the palace walls.
Whether this early admiration can help bridge current gaps remains to be seen, especially with Harry and Meghan’s planned 2026 UK visit potentially offering a new chapter in the ongoing royal saga. Fans continue to speculate on future family meetings, Invictus Games appearances, and long-term reconciliation.