In his memoir, Spare, Prince Harry referenced Meghan Markle's father, Thomas Markle Sr., drawing attention to his description of Thomas' appearance.
Prince Harry's Comments on Thomas Markle Sr.'s Physique Stir Controversy During a 7News Spotlight special, Markle's father, Thomas Sr., and half-siblings Samantha Markle and Thomas Markle Jr., participated in an interview. The host cited passages from Prince Harry's memoir, including a statement about Meghan mourning the "loss" of her father. In response, Thomas Sr. said that his daughter "killed me and then mourned me."
The special also included this excerpt from Spare:
"Every day there was another humiliating photo in the papers. Thomas Markle buying a new loo, Thomas Markle buying a six-pack, Thomas Markle with his belly hanging over his belt." This statement about the former lighting director's physique sparked outrage, with some labeling Prince Harry as "cruel."
One social media user commented:
"#PrinceHarryIsAnElderAbuser #PrinceHarryIsCruel #PrinceOfTodger With all his privilege & wealth, Harry has the audacity to criticize Thomas Markle Sr.'s physique in Spare." Another added:
"Harry chose to be cruel because that's what he is. The only one he's nice about is his wife. I don't even think he likes his kids. He rarely talks about them like doting dads do." A third user wrote:
"I watched that show last night; it was despicable what Harry said about Thomas... That's his children's grandfather. I was mortified!!!!"
However, some defended the Duke of Sussex, arguing that he was merely stating the truth.
A Sussex supporter noted:
"It's a truthful [description]." Another suggested:
"Maybe actually read the book; context is important. He was pointing out how awful the press was for publishing photos like that, not saying it himself."
Thomas Markle Sr. Appeals to Prince Harry for Reconciliation Assistance In the same special, Meghan Markle's father expressed his desire to reconcile with the Duchess of Sussex. The two have not spoken for nearly five years.
Thomas Sr. shared that it is his dying wish to reconnect with his daughter and admitted that they were once very close.
Thomas Sr. said Meghan used to love him and considered him her hero, but then "suddenly I was thrown out."
"I wish that we could sit down and talk. I wish we could work out our differences," Markle's father expressed.
He asked Prince Harry to take the lead in bringing them together:
"I think Harry should take the lead here and try to put us together in some way. I think he could help." However, this seems unlikely, as Prince Harry has also distanced himself from his own royal family.
