Members of Meghan Markle’s paternal family recently participated in a frank conversation with 7NEWS Spotlight, discussing the tense nature of their relationship with Meghan since her entrance into the British Royal Family.
Thomas Markle, Sr., Meghan’s father, as well as her half-siblings Samantha and Thomas, Jr., shared their thoughts on why Meghan decided to sever ties with them. They believe Meghan intentionally distanced herself from them in public because they didn’t fit the royal mold. Communication between Meghan and her father’s side of the family ceased in 2018, following an incident where Thomas, Sr. arranged paparazzi photos prior to the royal nuptials. Samantha characterized their relationship with Meghan as “toxic” and dysfunctional.
During the interview, Thomas, Sr. expressed a desire to reconcile with his daughter, and the family revealed previously unseen footage illustrating Meghan’s once-strong connection to her father and other relatives. They also touched upon Prince Harry’s comments regarding Meghan mourning the loss of her father.
Thomas, Sr. acknowledged that leaking a private letter from Meghan to the Daily Mail was harsh and hurtful, but he felt compelled to “share his side” after discovering Meghan had shown the letter to six other individuals. The interview concluded with the presentation of an old photograph of Meghan, as the family speculated whether it would distress her. They also criticized Harry’s previous behavior and questioned the couple’s genuine desire for privacy.
Meghan’s strained relationships with her father and half-sister have long captured public attention. She has spoken openly about the pain caused by her father’s staged photos and betrayal of trust through leaking a private letter to the press. Regarding her half-sister, Meghan has noted that they hardly know each other, as Samantha is almost 17 years her senior and they were not raised together. Meghan’s remarks about her father and sister underscore the intricacy and anguish of navigating family relationships under the magnifying glass that accompanies life as a member of the British Royal Family.
