Good Morning Britain presenters Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley were joined by Sunday Times royal editor Roya Nikkha on Monday's edition of the ITV programme to discuss Meghan Markle's decision to cut off her father, Thomas Markle.
The discussion follows reports claiming Meghan was sent a letter by her father's ex-wife in 2019 regarding serious allegations made against him. The details of the letter are not known. It comes as Meghan's father, 82, faces an investigation for being in possession of child abuse images in his home in the Philippines.
Reaction to the Estrangement
Susanna commented: "We're much clearer [about why she cut off her dad]. What is she feeling at the moment?"
Roya replied: "It casts the last seven years in a completely different light. As her statement said last week, there has been so much speculation about that estrangement."
She added: "Sources close to her say she is really upset that it wasn't investigated further. That the Met [police] didn't do anything with it. She's trying to establish why that didn't happen. And also hoping people understand why this estrangement has gone on."
Royal Family's Position
The royal editor continued: "I think now, Harry and Meghan are trying to process that this has come to light. They have been carrying this for seven years and thinking, 'Will this come out? How will we deal with it? What's the impact it's going to have on the Royal Family and our own family?'"
Susanna then asked what the Royal Family feels about the situation and whether they want to support Meghan, noting the rift and the King's upcoming tour. Roya confirmed a reconciliation between the Sussexes and the royals is in its early stages, revealing Harry and Meghan have not seen King Charles since returning to the UK.
"We know Harry and Meghan saw the King in July," she explained, "they haven't seen him since they've been back. This puts a whole new light on the last few years."
Future Reconciliation Hopes
She continued: "It doesn't take away what happened, in terms of interviews about the Royal Family, books, interventions, complaints about the handling of their departure. But they're now back. And the King has made it clear he's never going to shut the door on Harry. He's a man of empathy and sympathy. He'll understand it's such a difficult time for them."
Roya added: "When he comes back from that Caribbean tour, I think the hope will be from both sides, that they see each other and talk about this."
She explained the impact on the wider Royal Family is not yet known. "Last week, the Palace was saying this is a matter for the Sussex household," Roya said, "I'm not sure that line is sustainable for much longer. It affects the whole family."
