In a heart-wrenching interview with 7News Spotlight, Thomas Markle, the ailing father of Meghan Markle, made what he believes to be his “final ever” plea for reconciliation with his estranged daughter.
The 78-year-old, who has been struggling to speak after a debilitating stroke, addressed the recent comments made by Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, about mourning the loss of her father.
During their Netflix docuseries, Meghan stated that she had “lost her dad,” while Harry wrote in his memoir, “Spare,” that Meghan “was mourning the loss of her father.”
In response, Thomas Markle said, “She killed me and then mourned me,” adding, “I refuse to be buried by her.”
The former Hollywood lighting director shared never-before-seen videos of himself with Meghan as proof that “she loved” her dad, who was “her hero” before being “suddenly thrown out.”
He expressed his wish to sit down and talk with his daughter, although he conceded that it is unlikely, given that she did not reach out even after his stroke last year.
“If she doesn’t turn up for a stroke, if that doesn’t move her, what would?” he asked.
Thomas Markle revealed that he has not heard from Meghan since she wrote a letter to him more than four years ago, shortly after her marriage to Prince Harry.
He described the letter as “so hateful and so cruel” that he wouldn’t share its contents, despite being offered substantial sums of money.
“There are other things in that letter that are so hateful and so cruel, that I wouldn’t put it out,” he said, claiming he’d “burn it before I sell it” to protect his daughter.
Meghan’s half-siblings, Samantha Markle and Thomas Markle Jr., also participated in the interview, expressing their offense at Meghan’s claim that she was an only child whose big “wish” was to have “had siblings.”
Samantha suggested that Meghan denied their existence because she didn’t think they were good enough for her new life.
Despite the strained relationship, Thomas Markle’s ultimate goal is to have the opportunity to “sit down and talk” with his daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
“It’s just very sad from a father’s perspective. It’s a huge disappointment and it’s sad every day,” he said.
In a heartfelt message to his grandchildren, Thomas Markle said, “Meg I love you — I love my grandchildren.
I’d love to see them,” noting that they are “gonna have my nose, they’re gonna have my eyes.”
He also extended a message to Prince Harry, calling him a “nice guy” and thanking him for marrying his daughter.
The interview has been met with mixed reactions from viewers, with some condemning the estranged family’s comments as “disgusting” and “unnecessary,” while others questioned the ethics of the news channel in airing the interview.
One Twitter user posted, “Dear Channel 7 the special attacking Meghan Markle is disgusting and unnecessary,” while another questioned the credibility of the interviews and called for transparency regarding any payments made.
As the rift between Meghan Markle and her father continues to make headlines, it remains to be seen whether the Duchess of Sussex will respond to her father’s emotional plea for reconciliation.
The complex family dynamics and public scrutiny surrounding the royal couple have undoubtedly taken a toll on all parties involved, leaving many to wonder if a resolution is possible.
In his final message to his daughter, Thomas Markle smiled and said, “I’m open to any kind of conversation. Thank you.”
