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Meghan Markle’s dad issues desperate plea to meet grandkids

Thomas Markle is worried he could die without ever meeting his grandchildren and described why he’s been treated “so badly” by his daughter and Prince Harry.

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Thomas Markle has claimed that he and King Charles have been treated “so badly” by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle – saying he will likely die without ever meeting his grandchildren.

Mr Markle has been estranged from his daughter since suffering two heart attacks on the eve of her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018.

Thomas Markle and his daughter Meghan have been estranged since before the former actress married Prince Harry. Picture: Supplied
Thomas Markle and his daughter Meghan have been estranged since before the former actress married Prince Harry. Picture: Supplied

The 79-year-old was unable to walk his daughter down the aisle – King Charles stepped in at the last minute – and the couple have not spoken to him since.

Mr Markle has never met his son-in-law Prince Harry or his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet.

Separately, King Charles has also rarely seen his grandchildren since their move to California in 2020.

“Neither of us deserves the treatment we’ve received,” Mr Markle told the Daily Mail.

“Why have they treated not only me but the Royal Family and the King so badly?

Thomas Markle said he has been treated “so badly” by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Picture: AFP
Thomas Markle said he has been treated “so badly” by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Picture: AFP

“Archie and Lilibet have two grandpas who want to see them, one of whom is the King of England.”

Mr Markle lives alone in Rosarito on Mexico’s Pacific coast – just 400 kilometres from the Sussexes’ mansion in the exclusive California enclave of Montecito.

The Emmy-winning lighting director will turn 80 next month – but is still dealing with the after effects of a serious stroke he suffered two years ago.

Thomas Markle said he feels for King Charles over the disintegration of his relationship with Prince Harry. Picture: Getty Images
Thomas Markle said he feels for King Charles over the disintegration of his relationship with Prince Harry. Picture: Getty Images

Mr Markle said he would love his daughter to ring him on his birthday but he does not expect her to call.

He added he would now be happy with a photograph of his grandchildren even if he cannot meet them.

Ms Markle lived full-time with her father from the age of 11 while her mum Doria travelled for work.

Meghan Markle with her parents Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland. Picture: Supplied
Meghan Markle with her parents Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland. Picture: Supplied

Mr Markle said the-now Duchess of Sussex grew up on sets with him and got her Hollywood start through a director he knew.

Father and daughter fell out after Mr Markle posed for paparazzi pictures ahead of the couple’s 2018 wedding.

He now says the photos were a mistake and has since apologised repeatedly for them.

Just weeks from his 80th birthday, Mr Markle now sees little hope of reconciliation with his famous daughter.

He will instead spend the day with his son Thomas Jr at his Mexico home.

Mr Markle will also call his eldest daughter Samantha, who suffers from multiple sclerosis and is unable to travel from Florida.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/royals/meghan-markles-dad-issues-desperate-plea-to-meet-grandkids/news-story/a7151aa90378b0cc788097250bee6b1d