Thomas Markle has expressed fresh heartbreak over his estrangement from daughter Meghan Markle as she and Prince Harry prepare to return to the UK with their children.
The relocation has reportedly left the father of the Duchess of Sussex fearing that his chances of ever meeting Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet have slipped entirely out of reach.
Thomas Markle, who has never met either of Meghan Markle’s children, says he learned about the Sussexes’ plans through the news rather than directly from his daughter.
5Thomas revealed that he learned about Meghan and Harry’s planned return to the UK while watching CNN, rather than hearing the news from his daughter.
“I found out about it at the same time as the rest of the world,” he told The Mail on Sunday.
The news appears to have deepened his fears of never getting to meet Archie and Lilibet, especially with the children now preparing to spend more time in Britain.
Thomas also tried to console himself that Archie and Lilibet may one day remember him and seek him out.
“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,” he said.
The Duchess’s Father Talks Missing Out On Being A Part Of His Grandchildren’s Lives
5Thomas has admitted that Harry and Meghan’s return to Britain has made him question whether he will ever get the opportunity to meet his grandchildren.
The children, who have spent most of their lives in the United States, are expected to move to the UK with their parents.
Speaking about the situation, Thomas said, “I have never met my grandchildren, and now they are leaving America.” He also expressed concern that the move to America can erase his chances of ever meeting them.
The 82-year-old said he remains hopeful that his grandchildren will one day understand how much he wanted to be part of their lives. “I hope they know how much I wanted to meet them,” he said.
Meghan Markle Seems Not To Care About Her Father: ‘It’s Like I Don’t Exist’
5Thomas also spoke openly about how abandoned he feels by Meghan, claiming that their relationship has changed dramatically from the close bond they once shared.
“Meghan used to love me, she was always a daddy’s girl, and now it’s like I don’t exist,” he said. Thomas added that he has struggled to understand why his daughter has turned away from him, despite his open feelings towards her.
The father and daughter became estranged around Meghan’s 2018 wedding to Harry following a series of controversies involving Thomas and the media. Despite the years of silence, he insisted that his feelings toward his daughter have not disappeared.
“I will never stop loving my daughter,” Thomas said, while adding, “But I will never understand why she turned her back on me.”
Thomas Markle ‘Hurt And Upset’ By Daughter’s Decision To Move Back To The UK Without Telling Him
5Thomas’ pain over the family’s separation remains deep, particularly as he feels Meghan has shown no concern for his well-being.
He said he was “hurt and upset” by the situation and also questioned why he had not been informed about Meghan’s family relocation to the UK.
Expressing his frustration over what he sees as Meghan’s lack of care, Thomas said, “I’m hurt and upset that she doesn’t give a damn about me, even though I’m in hospital.”
His comments reflect the depth of his disappointment as he continues to hope for some form of reconciliation with his daughter.
About Thomas Markle’s Health Issues
5Thomas’ concerns about seeing his grandchildren come as he continues recovering from serious health problems.
The former lighting director underwent an emergency operation in December 2025 after a blood clot severely affected his left leg, resulting in the amputation of the left leg.
The procedure followed a sudden deterioration in his condition, which was described as a “life or death” situation. Thomas has since undergone rehabilitation while adapting to life after the amputation.
His health struggles have added urgency to his desire to meet Archie and Lilibet, particularly as the Sussexes prepare to spend more time in Britain.
In the meantime, it’s unclear if Meghan has any plans to reconcile with her father, especially with her simply sending him a letter after learning of his surgery.