MEGHAN Markle’s alleged “refusal” to let her dad meet his grandchildren has left a “nasty stain” and left him with “no choice but to move away”, a royal expert has said.
Despite her estranged father being “very good to her” Meghan is the “main reason” he will never meet his grandchildren.
“It would have meant a lot to him, and would have cost them nothing,” Hugo Vickers told the Sun.
Thomas Markle, a former film director, currently resides in Mexico and revealed yesterday that he has plans to move to the other side of the world for a “fresh start”.
The 80-year-old is estranged from Meghan, who is his eldest daughter, with the pair’s last known conversation before the royal wedding in 2018.
Thomas told MailOnline: “I am ready for a change. I have felt stuck in a rut for some time and I am ready to meet new people and experience kindness.”
The parental relationship publicly drifted in the run-up to Meghan’s wedding with Prince Harry.
After accusing her dad of selling pictures to the paparazzi, the fallout has meant the 80-year-old has never met his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
In a sensational interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, Meghan explained how she “grieves a lot” having “lost” her father.
She also spoke of the “betrayal she felt” when he lied to her about not talking to the media.
Her father, who has resigned himself to never meeting the five and three year olds, has opted to travel with his son and Meghan’s half brother, Thomas Jr.
After suffering from ill-health, including two heart attacks and a stroke, he told the Mail how he plans to leave his California home which is filled with pictures of his daughter.
Royal expert Hugo Vickers told the Sun he feels “pity” for the father.
Hugo said: “It wouldn’t do them any harm to have introduced him to his grandchildren.
“It’s very much up to her really, if she wanted to see him, she could easily see him.
“He’s left the door open, the King has also left the door open but she’s the one who’s prevented it.”
Hugo also said he “cannot possibly imagine” what the estranged father has done to merit never meeting his grandchildren.
Suggesting Meghan’s “general disdain” for her father may be to blame, Hugo explained how the introduction would “obviously mean a lot to him” and the public would “respect her” for doing so.
Even more so considering her father’s ill health.
Describing Meghan’s latest TV show that centres around joy in the kitchen, Hugo explained how “everything starts at home” and with family.
He added: “He did masses of things for her, so you know, you can be very big hearted, and you can make a little gesture.
“It’s not asking very much. Montecito and Mexico are not terribly far apart. It would be very easy to do, whereas, of course, if he does go live in Southeast Asia, there’s no question that anyone will ever see him again.
“It can’t be much fun sitting in a bungalow in Mexico, knowing that your daughter and her children are, you know, more or less within reach, and yet you don’t. You never see them? That must be rather depressing.”
The Sun has approached the Sussex’ representative for comment.
By Summer Raemason
MEGHAN Markle’s estranged father Thomas has revealed he is quitting America – and fears he will never meet his grandchildren.
The esteemed former lighting director has plans to relocate this year to spend his time with “kinder people”, possibly in South East Asia.
It comes as the Duchess of Sussex, 43, launched her show With Love, Meghan and posted a cryptic video marking 2025 signifying a fresh start.
Thomas, 80, who has suffered with ill-health including two heart attacks and a stroke, told the Mail he will be leaving his California home after 10 years.
The pensioner, who previously lived in Mexico for 10 years, said: “I am ready for a change. I have felt stuck in a rut for some time and I am ready to meet new people and experience kindness.”
His home, just 250 miles away from Meghan, was filled with pictures and accolades of his daughter – who he affectionately dubs “Megsy”.
He also watched the wedding of Meghan and Harry from a £23-a-night Airbnb in the country.
Thomas also spoke about the Duchess’ first husband, Trevor Engelson, who he said he “really liked”.
She divorced the Hollywood producer just two years before being introduced to Harry through mutual friends.
Thomas claimed he didn’t think Trevor “ever understood” why she ended the marriage.
Thinking ahead, the father-of-three confessed he has resigned himself to the fact he will most likely never meet Archie, five, or Lilibet, three.
But, the grandfather is looking forward to travelling with his son and Meghan’s half brother, Thomas Jr, who he has a good relationship with.
He said “it’s time to move on” and “enjoy the time I have left” somewhere that offers “peace”.
The Duchess’ estranged father also admitted while he doesn’t like some of Meghan’s behaviour, his “door is always open”.
Thomas has been estranged from his daughter since suffering two heart attacks on the eve of her wedding to Harry.
The pensioner was unable to walk her down the aisle, and they’ve not been in contact since.
Further turmoil between the pair erupted after Thomas posed for paparazzi pictures ahead of Harry and Meghan tying the knot.
