As nicknames go, this one is rather odd: Prince Charles (open in new tab) has reportedly given Meghan Markle the nickname "Tungsten." If you're flashing back to science class, there's a reason for that: tungsten is a metal on the periodic table, known for its high melting point and core strength. Charles reportedly chose the nickname because of Meghan's resilience and "bendiness" - which has become even more apparent since Meghan and Harry left the senior royal family in January 2020 to start a new life in California.

After Meghan and Harry's royal wedding, Prince Charles walked Meghan down the aisle because her father was not present, but Prince Charles had given his daughter-in-law the nickname "Tungsten," royal correspondent Russell Myers I heard about it. Myers noted: (Opens in new tab) "He calls her Tungsten (metal). It's a little strange to call her that, but I think he really respects her. He thinks she is coping well. He's had a lot of bad press in the past and a lot of life crises, so I think he's trying to get her through the tumultuous waters of being part of the royal family."

Tungsten is one of the most resilient metals on earth. (A deeper reading of the Wikipedia page (open in new tab) reveals that it is toxic to most humans and animals.)

The nickname "Tungsten" was intended to ease Princess Meghan's transition into the royal family, but it has certainly proved more accurate than ever in the past year and a half, Charles. In an Oprah interview with Prince Harry, Meghan Markle confided (opens in new tab) that she suffered from suicidal thoughts during her time as royal. She told Oprah that she was subjected to constant racist bullying from the press over her relationship with Harry and that she and Harry felt unsupported by the royal family

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She said: "I couldn't see a solution . I couldn't sleep at night ... I was just breathing and everything was happening. At the time I was embarrassed to say it and especially embarrassed to have to admit it to Harry. But I knew if I didn't tell him, I would do it. I didn't want to live anymore. It was so clear, so real, so horrible ....... I knew that if I did that, everything would be all right for everyone."

Princess Meghan also went to "one of the most senior people" at the "facility" for help, but was told she could not travel far to receive treatment. She also went to the palace's personnel department to "beg" for help, but was told that despite her sympathy for Meghan, who was pregnant at the time, she could not help because she was "not a paid employee of the institution." The palace declined to comment further after Oprah's interview, saying that "memories may differ."

The relationship between Prince Charles and the Sussexes remains strained in the aftermath of Oprah's interview. Harry told Oprah, "I will always love him. There's been a lot of hurt. I will make healing that relationship one of my top priorities."