Thomas Markle 'disappointed' with Meghan and Harry's decision to 'step back' from the royal family
Meghan Markle's estranged father has expressed his "disappointment" on her's and Prince Harry's decision to step back as "senior members" of the royal family in order to work to be financially independent.
Thomas Markle, 75, a retired lighting director, told Us Weekly in a short statement on Thursday that he wasn't happy with Sussex's decision. Though he remained tight-lipped on why he felt that way.
"I’ll just simply say I’m disappointed," he told the website.
Meghan and Harry shocked the monarchy, as well as the world, when they came out on Wednesday, January 8, with an official statement announcing that they would no longer be fulfilling their traditional roles in the royal family.
"After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution," they said.
"We intend to step back as senior members of the royal family and work to become financially independent while continuing to fully support Her Majesty the Queen," it continued. "It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment."
Thomas has been in an estranged relationship with his daughter (Meghan Markle) for quite some time now, a fact that became more apparent after Meghan started dating Prince Harry and became the subject of constant scrutiny by the British media.
Less than a week before her wedding to Harry in May 2018, Meghan had reportedly gotten upset that he (Thomas Markle) had sold pictures of himself to paparazzi getting ready for the big occasion.
A few days later, it was confirmed that he would not be attending the wedding, though outlets suggested it was because he had suffered a heart attack a few days prior.
Then, following the birth of Archie, it was reported that Meghan would never let her father meet his grandson on the pretext to "protect herself, her husband, and her son."
Thomas had then expressed his disappointment stating he had hoped to become a mother would "mellow" Meghan, and that he expected her and Harry to reach out to him after "ghosting him."
He's not the only one who's disappointed with the Sussex's decision to step away from royal duties, with Buckingham Palace also expressing a similar sentiment.
"We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through," a statement from the Palace read.