Meghan Markle Faces Backlash Over Alleged Treatment of Father Thomas Markle Sr.
Meghan Markle's estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., has sparked a range of reactions online after making an emotional plea to his daughter in a recent interview.
Thomas Sr. and Meghan's estranged half-siblings, Thomas Markle Jr. and Samantha Markle, participated in a "7News Spotlight" special, sharing never-before-seen photos and videos of the Duchess of Sussex's upbringing and discussing their relationship with her.
Thomas Sr., a 78-year-old retired Hollywood lighting director, revealed that he and Meghan had a close relationship before she became a member of the royal family. "Her childhood was with me," he said in the interview, which aired Sunday night. "Every time we had a chance to go somewhere and do something, we would."
Home videos from Meghan's childhood show her spending time with her family, fishing, and dancing. In one video, she expressed her gratitude, saying, "Best birthday I've ever had. Thank you for everything."
During the interview, Thomas Sr. extended an olive branch to his daughter, saying, "I wish that we could sit down and talk. I wish that we could work out our differences."
Thomas Sr.'s remarks received a mixed response on social media, with some users criticizing the Duchess of Sussex for her alleged treatment of her father.
One Twitter user wrote, "Meghan is cruel," while another added, "She is heartless." Others defended Meghan, pointing out that Thomas Sr.'s actions were what any father would do for their children and criticized him for agreeing to sabotage her wedding.
The special featuring Meghan's family aired a week before King Charles III's coronation in London on May 6. Prince Harry will attend his father's crowning ceremony alone, while Meghan and their children will stay in California.