In a recent candid interview airing on Australia’s 60 Minutes, Thomas Markle, the father of Meghan Markle, made some startling allegations regarding his strained relationship with his daughter.
He expressed feelings of deep hurt and isolation, stating he feels he is being treated “worse than an axe murderer.” At 76 years old, Thomas reflected on the emotional toll that the rift has taken on him, particularly after the arrival of his new granddaughter, Lilibet.
Despite living merely 70 miles from Meghan’s lavish home in Santa Barbara, Thomas remarked on how the distance has translated into a sizeable emotional gap.
He lamented Meghan and Prince Harry‘s decision to cut ties, even going as far as to assert that those incarcerated for heinous crimes often have family visits, unlike him.
This sense of abandonment appears to weigh heavily on Thomas, who noted, “Of course it hurts.
There are axe murderers in prison and their families come to see them.”
The estrangement, which has lasted for years now, saw Thomas unable to meet his son-in-law Prince Harry or his grandson, Archie.
He spoke heartfully about the pain of not being able to hold his grandchildren, particularly with his advancing age.
“I might never see my grandchildren,” he mused, explaining the fleeting nature of life and the worry that it brings, especially given his father’s side of the family with a history of shorter lifespans.
During the interview, Thomas took jabs at Oprah Winfrey, claiming she manipulated Meghan and Harry for her gain.
He accused her of leveraging their story to bolster her television ventures, asserting, “I think she is using them to build her network and new shows,” adding that it was unfair how she exploited their vulnerable situation without even knowing him personally.
In contrast to his allegations against Oprah, Thomas acknowledged the actions of Prince Charles during Meghan’s wedding.
He expressed gratitude that Charles stood in for him, as he was unable to attend due to health issues.
Citing their shared experiences of estrangement from their own children, he expressed a desire for a friendly connection with Prince Charles, stating, “I think we would get on quite well.”
Feeling a blend of confusion and love, Thomas reiterated his affection for Meghan despite her silence for the past three years following his controversial decision to hire paparazzi to stage photos before her wedding.
He shared, “I’ve apologized a hundred times for it.
I’m not bitter, I’m confused.
I just want an answer.”
Reflecting on the nature of familial bonds, Thomas criticized Meghan’s actions as “cold” and suggested that it was equally harsh for Harry to distance himself from his own father.
He pointed out that such behavior towards their families, especially their elderly relatives, lacks compassion and warmth.
“That’s a cold thing to do, especially to the Queen who is in her nineties,” he remarked.
Photos of Meghan from her childhood adorned the walls of his Californian home.
Looking at one, Thomas expressed his yearning to create similar memories with Lilibet, adding a personal touch to his sentiment.
He longed to be involved in their lives, where he could relish the joys of being a grandfather instead of being left on the sidelines.
As the interview wrapped up, Thomas retained a glimmer of hope.
He expressed the desire for reconciliation, wishing for a chance to mend fences and finally meet his grandchildren, emphasizing, “I will be very disappointed if I don’t get to hold my granddaughter.” This hope starkly juxtaposes the reality of his current estrangement from Meghan.
Thomas elaborated on the distress caused by learning about Lilibet’s birth through an official announcement rather than from Meghan directly.
“I was the first one to hold her in my arms when she was born.
It’s disappointing, and it hurts,” he concluded.
In recounting his feelings and experiences, Thomas Markle provides a poignant glimpse into the often tumultuous nature of family dynamics and the heartache that estrangement can bring.
Through this heartfelt interview, the audience is left contemplating the complexities of love, forgiveness, and the power that choice holds in familial relationships.
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