Thomas Markle, Meghan Markle's estranged father, is likely to be “devastated” that King Charles has finally met his grandchildren Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, according to royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams. The 81-year-old former lighting director has never met his grandchildren, having been estranged from Meghan since 2018.
Royal reunion at Highgrove House
On July 10, a private reunion took place at Highgrove House between King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five. This marked the first time the King had seen his grandchildren since 2022 and the first time he and Queen Camilla had seen Meghan in four years. The meeting was held in private, with the aim of allowing the monarch to spend time with his grandchildren, who are being raised in the United States.
While the reunion brought joy to the King, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told The Daily Express that Thomas Markle would likely feel the opposite. “He is likely, since she will reportedly not see or be in contact with him, to feel devastated at the recent news,” Fitzwilliams said.
Estrangement and missed opportunities
Thomas Markle and Meghan have been estranged since 2018, following the revelation that he had staged paparazzi photographs before her wedding to Prince Harry. He was expected to walk Meghan down the aisle but his health collapsed, and a feud began that has never been healed. Fitzwilliams noted that Thomas recently had his leg amputated, yet the breach remains.
“It is bizarre that he has never met Prince Harry, not even before their engagement and this has never been explained,” Fitzwilliams added. “However, what is certain is that Meghan, who was largely brought up by her father who was once an award winning Hollywood lightning director, has never forgiven him. He has subsequently become a fierce critic of his daughter. She preaches positivity relentlessly, but clearly does not practice it.”
Impact on Thomas Markle
Thomas has always wanted a reconciliation with his daughter and a chance to meet his grandchildren, but the meeting between King Charles and the children underscores the ongoing rift. Fitzwilliams believes the relationship is highly unlikely ever to be repaired. The royal expert concluded: “The breach with Meghan is highly unlikely ever to be repaired.”
