'2 heart attacks, one stroke': 'Frail' Thomas Markle wants paparazzo Jeff Rayner restraining order lifted
ROSARITO, MEXICO: Thomas Markle claims that he is too old and fragile to pose any threat that would require a restraining order against him by the well-known paparazzo Jeff Rayner. The photographer, who took the staged photos that allegedly destroyed Thomas' relationship with his daughter Meghan Markle, maintains he still needs the protection because he believes Thomas has nothing to lose. Documents obtained by TMZ show that Thomas is requesting that the judge lift the 2-year restraining order that was placed last month. Thomas claims that Jeff has been harassing him, alleging that he lied about him carrying a gun.
In his request, Thomas writes, "I am no threat to anyone because I'm 78 years old," adding he's had "2 heart attacks, one stroke, and have a cane for walking."
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Thomas Markle's advanced age and failing health, according to Jeff, are precisely the reasons why he is still concerned. He believes Markle has nothing to lose because time is running out anyhow.
Rayner's restraining order against Meghan's father came after the alleged threat was revealed in the book 'Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the War Between the Windsors', written by Tom Bower. According to TMZ, Thomas said, "I got screwed by Rayner and I'm going to find a way to screw him over before I die. I want to tear him down. If they tell me I've got terminal cancer, then I'll kill him because I have nothing to lose."
Markle's son Thomas Markle Jr also spoke on his father's behalf. He said, "First of all, Jeff Rayner being threatened by a 78-year-old man who had a heart attack and stroke recently and walks with a cane poses a threat to you -- that's ridiculous and pathetic and embarrassing on your behalf."
Last year, Thomas filed a lawsuit against the Coleman-Rayner agency, saying their agreement for staged photographs damaged his relationship with his daughter Meghan and son-in-law Prince Harry.
Photos of Thomas appeared online in the weeks leading up to the couple's wedding in 2018. They showed him putting on his tuxedo for his daughter's wedding, brushing up on Britain with travel guides at a cafe, and Googling his daughter and Prince Harry. It seemed like the father really wanted to find out more about his futue son-in-law, but it was just a matter of time until the truth was discovered.
Thomas stated a paparazzi firm approached him about posing for faked images because they thought it would improve his reputation. He acknowledged, though, that the images made him look "stupid and hammy," and he has subsequently expressed sorrow about having taken part in the ruse.
Later, Samantha Grant, Meghan Markle's estranged half-sister, claimed responsibility for the photos that were taken in Mexico, the country where her father resides.