Misan Harriman, a photographer and friend of Meghan Markle, has publicly defended the Duchess of Sussex after a wave of criticism following the arrest of her father, Thomas Markle Snr, last week.
Harriman, who has photographed the Sussex family for years and captured the images used to announce their 2021 pregnancy, took to X to repost a tweet expressing negativity towards Meghan just days after the arrest.
Friend urges public to 'leave her alone'
Sharing screenshots from the Instagram account Black British Culture, Harriman asked people to "leave [Meghan] alone". His comment read: "My God, leave her alone! Thanks to everyone who called this madness out!"
The screenshots showed an article revealing that Thomas Markle Snr has cut off his ankle monitor. The article originally featured a photograph of Meghan, but it has been replaced with Thomas's mugshot.
Background to the arrest
Thomas Markle Snr, who has been estranged from Meghan for many years, was arrested and charged in connection with allegations involving purported child sex abuse material, which he has called "sick lies". The 82-year-old has not seen his youngest daughter in years and has never met Prince Harry, Prince Archie, or Princess Lilibet.
Meghan and Harry visited Brussels earlier this week to attend the opening of the Lost Screen Memorial at the European Parliament on Tuesday. While Harry delivered a speech, Meghan opted out of joining him just hours before, as she reportedly did not feel "strong enough" to carry out public speaking after her father's arrest.
Plans for Christmas in the UK
Harry and Meghan are thought to be preparing to spend Christmas in the UK with their children this year. The last time the couple enjoyed Christmas in the UK was in 2018, when Meghan joined Harry at the Sandringham estate as his new wife.
The couple made the decision to move back to the UK at the end of August, with their children now enrolled in a school in Britain. They are reportedly living in the Cotswolds. It has been reported that Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, could fly to the UK to spend Christmas with her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren.
