Meghan Markle is leaning on her mother, Doria Ragland, for support following the arrest of her estranged father, Thomas Markle, with the pair speaking frequently despite being separated by thousands of miles.
The Duchess of Sussex, 45, and her mother, 70, are said to be supporting one another as the investigation into Thomas Markle continues.
Close bond across the miles
“They’re supporting each other,” an insider told US magazine PEOPLE, adding that Meghan and Doria are “very close”. A separate source close to Meghan said: “They’ve been speaking a lot. Being able to talk to her mom helps, even though she wishes they could be together.”
Doria lives in Los Angeles, while Meghan moved back to the UK with Prince Harry and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in August. The duchess is understood to miss her mother following the move, with the latest developments surrounding her father making their separation particularly difficult.
Family time and Christmas plans
However, the family are said to have recently spent time together during a getaway over Archie and Lilibet’s school break. Doria is also expected to reunite with the Sussexes in Britain for Christmas, with the couple hoping to celebrate the festive period at their new home.
The support comes as Thomas Markle, 82, faces a federal investigation after being arrested in Florida on November 6 on a charge of possessing child sexual abuse material. Investigators reportedly recovered suspected material from two storage units he had rented in the Los Angeles area.
Investigation details
PEOPLE reported that Doria had assisted federal investigators, including helping to identify her former husband in photographs obtained by authorities. Thomas and Doria married in 1979 and welcomed Meghan in 1981 before divorcing in 1987.
Thomas was initially released under strict conditions, including electronic monitoring, but was taken back into custody on November 10 after allegedly removing his ankle monitor. A federal judge subsequently revoked his pre-trial release and ordered him detained.
Estrangement and comfort in her children
Meghan has been estranged from her father since her wedding to Harry in May 2018. In a statement on October 23, the duchess said she had been alerted to allegations involving her father years earlier and explained that her decision to keep him away from her children was rooted in wanting to protect them.
Despite the family turmoil, Meghan is said to be finding comfort in spending time with Archie and Lilibet. “The children are such a comfort to her right now,” a California source told PEOPLE. “She’s so grateful they’re doing well, and she loves watching them grow up.” The source added that being with her children and giving them love meant a great deal to the duchess amid the difficult developments.
