Meghan Markle resembles this Royal Family member who changed the history of the monarchy

The latest photos of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been compared to another controversial figure that left her mark on the British Royal Family.

Meghan Markle resembles this Royal Family member who changed the history of the monarchy
© Chris Jackson / Getty Images
Meghan Markle resembles this Royal Family member who changed the history of the monarchy

Meghan Markle and Wallis Simpson have more in common than just their nationality. Both American socialites married into the British Royal Family, but the resemblance doesn't stop there.

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A 'creepy' resemblance

Meghan and Prince Harry recently released a couple of photos taken by photographer Misam Harriman at the One Young World Summit. In them, the Duchess of Sussex is wearing a red ensemble comprised of a long-sleeved, red tie-neck blouse and red trousers.

According to Page Six, Meghan's look bares similarities to a photo of Wallis Simpson, the American divorcée for whom King Edward VIII abdicated the throne in 1936. In a 1971 photograph, Wallis is wearing a long-sleeved, red ensemble with a red scarf tossed over one shoulder. Both women have their hair middle part and tied back. Both women also chose to wear gold hoop earrings.

Royal fans quickly commented on social media about the 'creepy' similarities between the two royal couples. Page Six points out that most of the comments weren't positive. One commenter wrote:

Here we go again. Note the earrings too? Anyone would think MM [Meghan Markle] savours the role of pantomime villain.

Anna Pasternak, author of The American Duchess: The Real Wallis Simpson, wrote for Mail Online that the similarities in the photos could have been 'an intentional move' by the Duchess of Sussex.

The Duchess of Sussex has emulated Wallis Simpson on many occasions

However, it isn't the first-time royal fans have noticed similarities between Meghan and Wallis.

The second photo, a black and white snap of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, has been compared to another photograph of Prince Edward and Wallis, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, where both royal couples are shown in profile, staring off into the distance. Pasternak points out that the image is almost a replica.

During the couple's Oprah Winfrey interview, the Duchess of Sussex wore a dress sporting a similar pattern to a dress Wallis wore in a portrait of her from 1936.

As recently as the service of Thanksgiving for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee, Meghan was seen sporting a head-to-toe white outfit that onlookers have compared to an ensemble Wallis wore, per Page Six.

Pasternakwrote:

Meghan may well be a fan of the Duchess of Windsor’s elegance. Now, some would say she might do well to emulate Wallis in other ways, too — and practise a dignified silence.

Other similarities between the two royal couples

South China Morning Postpoints out that Meghan and Wallis have much more in common than just fashion.

Meghan and Wallis, both American socialites, have caused controversies with their relationships with members of the Royal Family.

The publication suggests that at the time, Prince Edward's relationship with Wallis caused a rift between him and his younger brother, Prince Albert – later known as King George VI. It also points out Prince Harry and Prince William's less-than-amicable relationship, and it has long been rumoured that Meghan played a part in the sudden fallout between the once close brothers.

According to Marca, Edward and Wallis lived in exile and were utterly cut off from the Royal Family, much like Prince Harry and Meghan.

Another poignant comparison between both royal couples is that love trumped duty on both occasions. King Edward ultimately abdicated 'for the woman he loved', and Prince Harry stepped down from royal duties for what is believed to be much the same reason.

Sources used:

- Page Six: 'Meghan Markle's red outfit draws Wallis Simpson comparisons'

- South China Morning Post: 'What do Meghan Markle and Wallis Simpson have in common? Both American women changed British royal history by marrying Prince Harry and King Edward VIII, causing riffs with William and King George'

- Marca: 'Meghan Markle's outfit is not the only likeness to abdicated king's wife, Wallis Simpson'

- Mail Online: 'Wallis & Meghan, the Duchesses of Twinsor! Newly released image of Meghan with a lingering stare struck some observers as uncannily reminiscent of Wallis Simpson. But how else do they look alike?'

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