Meghan Markle’s dad wears his heart on his sleeve in exclusive revelations he shared. On the brink of turning 80 in July, Thomas Markle revealed the one thing he wants his royal daughter to do for his upcoming special day. His candid statements come nearly two years after his other daughter shared details about his health.
Thomas Markle, the soon-to-be 80-year-old dad to Meghan Markle, is reflecting on his life outcomes from his cliffside home in Rosarito, Mexico. Set to celebrate a huge milestone on July 18, Thomas can’t help but think of his role as Meghan’s dad and their strained relationship. Amid his candor, he expressed what he hoped Meghan would do for his birthday.
Meghan and Thomas Markle in a throwback photo, posted on January 23, 2020 | Source: YouTube/Entertainment Tonight
On June 22, a news outlet published an article in which they shared Thomas’ recent reflections about his relationship with Meghan. He kicked things off with how he felt about turning 80 soon.
Thomas Markle speaking in a past interview, posted on January 23, 2020 | Source: YouTube/Entertainment Tonight
Thomas marveled at the mere fact that he would reach that age because he said the men in his family usually don’t live that long. “My father died at 61,” he remarked.
He then divulged, “I’ve had a good life and I am proud of what I’ve accomplished, but everything has been overshadowed by what has happened in the last six years.”
Thomas Markle speaking in a past interview, posted on January 23, 2020 | Source: YouTube/Entertainment Tonight
Thomas’ statement undoubtedly refers to the widely publicized tension between him and Meghan which has been at the forefront of news headlines for some time. According to the report, their estrangement began in 2018.
Thomas Markle and a photo of Meghan Markle, posted on January 23, 2020 | Source: YouTube/Entertainment Tonight
Thomas was unable to walk his youngest daughter down the aisle when she tied the knot with Prince Harry because he suffered two heart attacks the evening prior. Reportedly, Meghan and her husband have not spoken to him since then.
Meghan Markle walking down the aisle on her wedding day at St George’s Chapel in Windsor, England on May 19, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Having built a beautiful family with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, Thomas can’t help but long to hear from Meghan. After referencing the challenging past six years, he revealed one of his birthday wishes.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their son Prince Archie at the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation during their royal tour of South Africa in Cape Town, South Africa on September 25, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
“I’ve never been one for birthdays, but I know the one person I most want to hear from, Meghan, won’t be in touch. I would love to meet my grandchildren, but I would be happy with a photograph at this stage,” Thomas noted.
In addition to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, reports state that Thomas has never met Prince Harry. Adding insult to injury is the fact that he lives approximately 250 miles from Meghan and Prince Harry’s 16-bathroom mansion in Montecito, California.
A picture of the area where Thomas Markle lives, posted on January 23, 2020 | Source: YouTube/Entertainment Tonight
“When I reflect back on my life, as you do when you are approaching 80, that’s one of the questions I cannot find an answer for. Why didn’t Harry ever come to meet me?” Thomas pondered.
Prince Harry during day 1 of the SXSW Conference and Festival in Austin, Texas on March 8, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
He continued, “He has the resources to fly around the world – and does – but why didn’t he come to see me, particularly when people in the royal household like Jason Knauf [Harry and Meghan’s former communications secretary] were urging him to do so? That has never made sense to me.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle getting on a plane at an airport in Sydney, Australia on October 28, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Thomas finds it hard to reconcile with Prince Harry allegedly opting out of meeting his wife’s father, a move that is usually customary in such unions. Shifting gears slightly, Thomas then touched on his “deep empathy” for King Charles III, as he says they are in the same boat regarding not seeing their grandchildren.
King Charles III during day 5 of the Royal Ascot in Ascot, England on June 22, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Meghan’s dad mentioned he would love to meet with the King of England to discuss the matter as he feels that King Charles III also has a lot of unanswered questions. “Neither of us deserves the treatment we’ve received,” Thomas boldly asserted.
King Charles III at a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in London, England on March 29, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
He then went on to reference his health ailments and King Charles III’s cancer diagnosis and stated, “I have so many questions I’d like to ask Meghan and Harry. The main one being, why have they treated not only me but the Royal Family and the King so badly.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during day 2 of their Nigeria tour in Abuja, Nigeria on May 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Amid the discussion, Thomas also brought up his grandchildren’s non-existent relationships with their cousins, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, whom he called “fantastic.”
Reacting to seeing the Wales children during Trooping the Colour, Thomas said, “I feel sad that Lilibet and Archie don’t have the chance to get to know their cousins and take part in things like Trooping The Colour, which is their birthright.” A right that Thomas believes has been denied to them by their parents.
Prince George, Prince William, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Princess Catherine during Trooping the Colour in London, England on June 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
He also thinks that Meghan and Harry are running out of time to explain everything that has transpired to their kids. “At some stage it’s inevitable that they will ask their parents why they have cut them off from both sides of the family?” Thomas highlighted.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their son, Prince Archie in St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle in Windsor, London on May 8, 2019 | Getty Images
He added, “They have two grandpas who want to see them, one of whom is the King of England. I never in my 80 years thought I’d be in the same boat as the King […] I find myself wondering how Archie and Lilibet will feel in a few years time when they realise all the things they have missed out on.”
The Duchess of Sussex’s father, who won an Emmy as a lighting director, also spoke about other facets of his life, which saw him start as a high school theatre kid and then try his luck in Hollywood. “They were interesting times. I loved my career and enjoyed being behind the camera,” Thomas reminisced.
A photo of Thomas Markle from the past, posted on January 23, 2020 | Source: YouTube/Entertainment Tonight
Talking about his life after he met and married Meghan’s mom, Doria Ragland, Thomas disclosed, “I always provided well for Meghan and Doria and was happy to do so. There was never any bad blood between us until Meghan met Harry.”
Even after Thomas and Doria divorced when Meghan was two, he said they remained amicably. At 11, Meghan lived full-time with her dad, who said she had a great childhood. “Those are the happy times I look back on,” reflected Thomas.The news outlet reports that to this day, he even still has many photos of Meghan Markle from the past. Pictures from when she graduated from kindergarten and high school and one of him taking her to the Emmys.
Thomas Markle standing next to family photos, posted on January 23, 2020 | Source: YouTube/Entertainment Tonight
Thomas shared that he never would have imagined that Meghan would cut ties with him given that the two used to be close. However, he did own the part he played in his paparazzi photo scandal before Meghan’s wedding. “I was totally alone and being hounded […] It was a mistake and I have apologised for it repeatedly,” Thomas said.
Thomas Markle in the infamous paparazzi photos, posted on January 23, 2020 | Source: YouTube/Entertainment Tonight
After speaking about how he believes his daughter has changed into someone he didn’t raise her to be, Thomas stated that all-in-all, he doesn’t expect to hear from Meghan or Prince Harry on his birthday. On the matter, he expressed, “I wish we could have worked this situation out. I was always ready and willing to do that.”
Instead of celebrating with the Suxxeses, Thomas plans to spend the day with his son, Thomas Markle Jr. His eldest daughter, Samantha Markle, who unfortunately won’t be able to travel from Florida to be with him because of her multiple sclerosis, will call him on the phone.
Thomas Markle speaking in a past interview, posted on January 23, 2020 | Source: YouTube/Entertainment Tonight
While Thomas managed to get through his assertions during the discussion he had with the news outlet, he showed signs of having a tough time. Reportedly, he struggled to find words or stumbled over his sentences, which is said to be most likely due to the serious stroke he suffered two years ago.
Thomas Markle in the hospital after suffering a stroke, posted on May 24, 2022 | Source: X/@sunriseon 7
The same year he had his stroke, Samantha sat down with Good Morning Britain to give an update on her dad. “I think he feels blessed to be alive and […] he’s doing well, he’s really doing well. He can’t speak but his language comprehension is perfect,” she shared.
Samantha Markle speaking about her dad, Thomas Markle’s condition, alongside a throwback picture of Meghan and Thomas Markle, posted on May 30, 2022 | Source: X/@GMB
Although she was reassured Thomas was making a strong comeback, she finished by painting a realistic picture of his prognosis. Samantha at the time remarked that it would take at least 6 months to a year for him to speak again.
Clearly, Thomas has continued to make a steady recovery amid his health journey, given his recent revelations over a year after his daughter said he couldn’t speak. Hopefully, continuing to make steady progress where his health is concerned won’t be the only gift Thomas Markle receives on his birthday.
Thomas Markle getting into his car, posted on January 23, 2020 | Source: YouTube/Entertainment Tonight
With his wish to see his grandchildren still pending, perhaps King Charles III may fill the granddad void in Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet’s lives. The esteemed royal has already been trying to do so with the special birthday gift he bought for his granddaughter, who turned 3 on June 4.
Princess Lilibet’s grand birthday celebration took place at Prince Harry and Meghan’s Montecito, California home. Sadly, none of the royal family were among the guests.According to reports, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex invited only their closest friends to join in the festivities for their daughter’s special day. However, this didn’t stop King Charles III from being part of her special day.
Meghan Markle, Princess Lilibet, Prince Harry and Prince Archie blowing out a birthday cake, posted on June 6, 2023 | Source: YouTube/Entertainment Tonight
Royal expert Tom Quinn revealed that King Charles III had no intentions of ignoring Princess Lilibet’s birthday. Thus, he ensured she received a present along with a heartfelt message.
King Charles III at Lancaster House in London, England on July 14, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Additionally, he said the monarch had reserved a special gift for Princess Lilibet when the royal feud ended. Tom noted King Charles III had previously given Prince George a handmade wooden swing engraved with his name. He further stated that the King planned to gift Princess Lilibet something similar.
King Charles III and Prince Harry at the Natural History Museum in London, England on April 4, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
The comments section buzzed with suggestions and sentiments such as: “Go visit her,” “He must miss his grandchildren so much xxx [sic],” and “He’s the King! Son should bring his children to him.”
Other comments highlighted the complex emotions and differing perspectives surrounding the royal family’s strained relationships.
