King Charles reportedly had a private nickname for Meghan Markle when she was still part of the royal family — and it was not exactly soft and sweet.
According to insiders, Charles is believed to have called his daughter-in-law “tungsten,” a reference to one of the toughest metals on Earth.
The nickname was said to be a nod to Meghan’s hard-as-nails inner strength, steely confidence, and ability to stand firm under pressure during her brief but dramatic time inside The Firm.
Meghan, now 44, married Prince Harry, 41, in 2018 and quickly became one of the most talked-about women in the world. But less than two years later, the couple stunned the monarchy by stepping back from royal duties and moving to the United States.
Before the royal fallout, however, Charles reportedly saw something in Meghan that left a major impression.
Sources said the future king noticed her poise during early public appearances with Harry, Prince William, and Catherine, Princess of Wales. Meghan’s polished public speaking, TV-star confidence, and ability to command attention reportedly made senior royals take notice.
Royal author Katie Nicholl previously wrote in her 2022 book The New Royals: Queen Elizabeth’s Legacy and the Future of the Crown that Meghan became “the breakout star” of the royal foursome.
One source quoted in the book claimed Meghan was “polished, passionate, and funny,” adding that she used her television experience to make a strong impression during joint appearances.
The source said it was a “wake-up moment” for William and Kate, who allegedly realized Meghan was “very impressive, very confident, and very capable.”
That same toughness is reportedly what inspired Charles’ unusual nickname.
One insider said Charles viewed Meghan as someone who “doesn’t bend easily under scrutiny,” and that her strength stood out to him from the beginning.
Another source claimed the nickname was not meant as an insult.
“He saw her as a stabilizing force for Harry,” the insider said. “Someone with direction, confidence, and the ability to stand her ground when things became difficult.”
Tungsten is known for its incredible strength and has the highest melting point of any known element. According to one source, that is exactly why Charles believed it fit Meghan.
“It reflected the steeliness Charles thought Meghan had at her core,” the source said. “He thought she was tough as nails inside, despite her later talk of feeling traumatized by her time with the royals.”
But any early warmth between Meghan and the royals did not last.
Relations between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family have badly deteriorated since Harry and Meghan quit royal life. Their public interviews, Netflix series, memoir revelations, and repeated claims about life inside the palace have left the family deeply divided.
Harry and Meghan remain estranged from Charles, William, Kate, and other senior royals.
Meanwhile, Charles’ bond with Kate has reportedly grown stronger in recent years, especially as both faced serious health battles.
Kate announced in January 2025 that she was in remission from cancer, while Charles has continued treatment for his own cancer diagnosis.
One source claimed Charles sees Kate as “the daughter he never had” and has a deep affection for her.
“Unlike Meghan, he has a massive fondness for Kate,” the insider said. “But Meghan’s toughness did — and still does — impress him.”
Harry is believed to have last seen his father during a brief 54-minute reunion last year. Now, he and Meghan are reportedly hoping for another meeting with the king during a planned trip to the U.K. this summer.
Whether that reunion actually happens remains to be seen.
But if Charles’ alleged nickname is any clue, the king may still see Meghan as one of the toughest figures ever to shake up the modern monarchy.
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.