Why Prince Philip is so 'disappointed' in Meghan: 'He gave up his career'

Prince Philip is reportedly "very disappointed" in granddaughter-in-law Meghan Markle following her and Prince Harry's exit from the royal family.

The couple announced their plans to leave earlier this year, and though the royal family has been publicly supportive, there are rumours the exit hurt some royals more than others.

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Philip is one of them, as he experienced his own royal growing pains when he wed the Queen.

"I think he's very, very disappointed because I think he feels he gave up his naval career in order to stand by the Queen and help the monarchy," explained royal biographer Ingrid Seward to Sky News.

"And why can't Meghan just give up her acting career, support her husband and support the monarchy?"

It's important to recognise Philip and Meghan have more in common than most would expect.

Both were forced to give up their careers when they married into the monarchy; Philip left his role in the navy when the Queen took the throne in 1952, and Meghan quit acting before her 2018 wedding to Harry.

It's understood both royals struggled with that transition, feeling stifled by the regulations that come with a role in the monarchy.

Philip, who was husband to the reigning British monarch, took time to adjust to his role as the Queen's husband and father to their children.

In the 1950s, men were expected to be the head of the family, but that's difficult when you're married to the head of the nation.

As for Meghan, her progressive politics and modern approach to royalty were at odds with many royal traditions, and saw her branded "pushy" by some.

But where Philip chose to push through his struggles and become the royal husband he was expected to be, Meghan and Harry decided to leave the monarchy altogether.

According to the royal tell-all Finding Freedom, Meghan told a friend of her choice: "I gave up my entire life for this family.

"I was willing to do whatever it takes. But here we are. It's very sad."

It's a decision that didn't sit well with Philip according to Seward, who pointed out the Duke of Edinburgh has always encouraged the royals to put on a united front.

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"As he used to say to Diana, 'This is not a popularity contest, this is all of us working together'," Seward said.

"He just cannot understand why [Meghan] couldn't support Harry and help him rather than wanting to have her voice."

In fact, the situation left Philip so frustrated that he chose not to take part in talks about the Sussexes' royal split earlier this year, according to Seward.

"Of course, it irritates him hugely… He simply doesn't want to get involved anymore," she added.