Harry and Meghan had the most unlikely code names from palace staffers
Interesting!

The royal family may have to follow endless rules and regulations about what they can't eat and how they must descend stairs, but when it comes to giving each other fun and ridiculous nicknames they lean into them as much as anyone else. In recent years, it has been reported that Prince George and Princess Charlotte hilariously call Prince William 'Poachy' and Princess Kate even has a 'naughty' private pet name for her husband.
But it seems that some Palace staffers also use secret names for their royal bosses, and it was no different for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle when they were working royals. Although the couple have detached themselves from the monarchy and its protocols, while they were part of the royal family their security detail was required to use monikers for the couple. However, it had nothing to do with a desire to give affectionate nicknames to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex - these 'secret' names were created as a means to ensure their safety.
Members of the royal family are entitled to taxpayer-funded protection as public figures - something which has caused legal issues for Harry since he left the UK, as the Home Office declared he would no longer be eligible for the same security arrangements - and as part of that, security will often use secret code names to refer to members of the royal family. For example, before William and Kate were given their Wales titles, they were most commonly known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and therefore these initials (DC) were used to create new aliases for them. They would reportedly go by Daphne Clark and Danny Collins.
As per British Heritage Travel, Harry and Meghan employed a similar tactic; their security would reportedly use the code names Davina Scott and David Stevens when discussing the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. It is believed that the Prince and Princess of Wales may have adjusted their nicknames now given their newer titles, and that their code names would instead use the initials 'PW'.
So, now you know!
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
Jadie Troy-Pryde is News Editor, covering celebrity and entertainment, royal, lifestyle and viral news. Before joining the team in 2018 as the Lifestyle and Social Media Editor, she worked at a number of women’s fashion and lifestyle titles including Grazia, Women’s Health and Stylist, and now heads the Marie Claire UK news desk.
-
Former royal staff have opened up about Princess Kate's "calming" influence on Prince William
By Jenny Proudfoot
-
Travis Kelce's surprising response to the Taylor Swift proposal rumours is going viral
By Jenny Proudfoot
-
Take my word for it—this take on the French manicure is set to be a modern classic in 2025
Harriet Westmoreland-approved
By Rebecca Fearn
-
Meghan Markle just delighted fans with a makeup-free selfie reel
Oh she's so back
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Netflix boss opens up about Harry and Meghan's future with the streaming giant
It's looking pretty good
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
King Charles has just 'stolen a move' from Meghan Markle's 'playbook'
They have more in common than you may think
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Harry and Meghan are adopting a 'new strategy' after 'separation' reports
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Meghan Markle fans spot a surprising new detail in her engagement ring
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
King Charles' reconciliation with Prince Harry is reportedly 'being blocked' by William
It's a complex situation
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The small detail from Meghan Markle's Instagram return that you probably missed
By Jadie Troy-Pryde
-
Harry and Meghan's 'professional separation' continues this week
The Duke is due in NYC
By Iris Goldsztajn