As Thomas Markle approaches his 80th birthday, he has opened up about his profound sadness over being estranged from his daughter, Meghan Markle, and his two grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The 79-year-old, who resides in Rosarito, Mexico, approximately 400 kilometers from Meghan and Prince Harry's Montecito home, has yet to meet his grandchildren and son-in-law, Prince Harry.
In a heartfelt interview with New Zealand Woman's Weekly, Markle expressed his deep regret over missing out on significant moments in his grandchildren's lives. "It struck me as very sad that Meghan and Harry's kids are being denied the right to know their cousins, who look like fantastic children, or take part in things like Trooping the Colour, which is their birthright," he said. "They are getting to the age where they will start to ask questions, as all kids do. I find myself wondering how Archie and Lilibet will feel in a few years' time when they realize all the things they have missed out on."
The recent Trooping the Colour ceremony, where Prince William's children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis - stood proudly with their family on the Buckingham Palace balcony, stirred feelings of pity in Markle for his own grandchildren. He lamented that Archie and Lilibet are missing out on these royal traditions and connections with their cousins.
Markle also expressed a desire to connect with King Charles, who reportedly shares similar sentiments about wanting to see his grandchildren. "Even a photograph would bring me joy," Markle mentioned, highlighting the emotional toll of not being able to witness his grandchildren grow up.
Reports have emerged that King Charles is contemplating a trip to Montecito, California, to present himself as a "friendly grandfather" to his youngest grandchildren. Royal expert Tom Quinn noted, "He is desperate to see them and hates the idea that Archie and Lilibet will not remember him as the warm, friendly grandfather he wants to be."
Thomas Markle's relationship with Meghan soured following a paparazzi scandal and his subsequent absence from her 2018 wedding. Since then, the two have been estranged, and Markle doubts that his daughter will reach out to him on his milestone birthday on July 18. Despite this, he remains hopeful for reconciliation. "Meghan is the one person I want to hear from most," he confessed, though he believes a reunion is unlikely.
The estrangement has not only impacted Thomas Markle but has also affected his ability to forge a bond with his grandchildren. He humorously noted that he never envisioned sharing a common ground with King Charles, both longing for time with their grandchildren. "I never thought I'd be in the same boat as the King, both wanting to spend more time with our grandkids," he remarked.
The backdrop of this familial discord is Meghan and Prince Harry's decision to step back from royal duties and move to California in 2020. Since then, Prince Harry has been engaged in a legal battle with the U.K. government over police protection for his family during visits to his home country. This legal struggle has further complicated the potential for family reunions and contributed to the distance between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family.
