How Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 'intimate' nicknames for each other 'set them apart' from royal tradition
The pair have affectionate names for each otherPrince Harry and Meghan Markle have some rather sweet nicknames for each other which showcase their “modern vibe”.
The royal family has many nicknames, and the couples usually have some sweet monikers for each other. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex often refer to each other as “H” and “M”. This was evident in their 2022 Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan.
Meanwhile, Meghan, 43, often refers to Harry, 40, as “my husband” – a nickname which shows she’s “proud” of their relationship, according to an expert.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s nicknames for each other are ‘personal touch’
Relationship expert Hope Flynn, founder of female empowermenty community So What?, has spoken to Royal Insider about the couple’s names for one another.
She explained of their initial nicknames: “Harry and Meghan’s use of ‘H’ and ‘M’ is a bit of a personal touch, a bit more casual and intimate, like a nickname between them.
“It’s their way of showing they have a more relaxed and modern vibe going on in their relationship especially compared to the more formal tone of other royals.
“It helps set them apart from the more traditional side of things and shows us they’re just a normal couple – not just royal figures.”
Hope added: “It’s like when you call your partner something cute or quirky instead of their full name it shows comfort and familiarity.”
Why Meghan uses ‘my husband’ nickname for Harry
Meanwhile, Hope went on to discuss Meghan’s use of “my husband”. The duchess recently referred to Prince Harry as that in an Instagram video in which she thanked singer Billie Eilish for a donation amid the LA wildfires.
It’s their way of showing they have a more relaxed and modern vibe going on in their relationship.
Hope explained to us: “Meghan calling Harry ‘my husband’ rather than using his name, I think it’s her way of being proud of their relationship and commitment to each other.
“It’s affectionate and it’s also her way of highlighting their bond together.
Nicknames the royal family has for each other
From "One Pint Willy" (can you guess who that’s about?!) to "the boss lady," the royals use a variety of monikers behind closed doors.
What nicknames King Charles is called by royal family members
King Charles has a few nicknames linked to him, including "Pa" used by his children and "Grandpa Wales" used by his three grandchildren Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
According to a royal commentator, the king and queen called each other "Fred and Gladys" before their marriage, inspired by characters from The Goon Show.
What nicknames do Prince William and Kate have for each other?
Just like any other couple, the Prince and Princess of Wales have a few sweet nicknames for each other.
Reports claim that the Princess of Wales has a pretty cheeky nickname for Wills – "Big Willy". Erm...
Prince William, meanwhile, apparently had a more affectionate nickname for Kate in the early days of their relationship – "Babykins". Awwww!
Elsewhere, Mike Tindall – who is married to William's cousin Zara Tindall – has a nickname for the prince too – "One Pint Willy".
Why, you ask? Well, Mike explained during a 2023 podcast interview: "The Prince of Wales is known to me as One Pint Willy. He is not the best of drinkers."
Harry and Meghan's other nicknames for each other
As well as referring to each other by their initials - "H" and "M" - the Duke of Sussex also calls his wife "Meg". Meanwhile, Meghan often refers to Harry as "my husband".
Separately, Harry was apparently called "Harold" by his brother William. His late mother, Princess Diana, reportedly called her youngest son "My little Spencer" and "Good King Harry".
When it comes to Meghan, King Charles apparently gave her the nickname of "Tungsten" within the royal family. Royal author Katie Nicholl said this related to Meghan’s toughness and resilience.
“It’s a more intimate choice and it helps her show how much she values their relationship. He is her husband and her husband only.”
But how does this compare to other royals, including Prince William and his wife Kate?
Hope said: “Will and Kate tend to stick to first names I think because of their more formal royal roles and the fact they are the future king and queen.
“Harry and Meghan are doing their own thing with those little personal touches which I think is refreshing in a way!”
What do you think of Harry and Meghan’s nicknames for each other? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @RoyalInsiderOfficial.
