Thomas Markle has spoken of his heartbreak at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's impending return to the UK, saying he fears he may never meet his grandchildren.
Meghan's estranged father claims he was kept in the dark about the couple's plans, only finding out through news coverage. He is yet to be introduced to seven-year-old Archie or five-year-old Lilibet.
Thomas Markle's reaction to the news
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are set to swap their American lifestyle for a return to British shores, a revelation that has dominated headlines and sparked widespread speculation.
Now, Thomas Markle has spoken out about his reaction to the news and his bitter disappointment in his former 'daddy's girl' Meghan.
Mr Markle told The Mail on Sunday: "I saw on CNN that they were returning to England. I found out about it at the same time as the rest of the world.
"I'm hurt and upset that she doesn't give a damn about me, even though I'm in hospital." He added: "Meghan used to love me, she was always a daddy's girl, and now it's like I don't exist.
"I have never met my grandchildren, and now they are leaving America.
"One day those kids will ask about their 'other' grandfather - the one who isn't King - the one that Meghan and Harry are apparently ashamed of.
"I hope they know how much I wanted to meet them."
Relationship breakdown and future plans
Their relationship broke down after he was caught staging paparazzi photographs in the build-up to her 2018 wedding, and the pair have not spoken since.
Reflecting on his bond with his daughter, Thomas said: "I will never stop loving my daughter but I will never understand why she turned her back on me."
Speculation has been mounting over where Harry and Meghan will ultimately put down roots, with countryside spots in the Cotswolds among the locations being touted.
Archie and Lili are set to begin at their new schools in early September, and it is understood that, in line with working royals, no official photographs of the children will be released when they start or on their birthdays.
