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.”
