Thomas Markle 'likely feels betrayed by Meghan' amid family conflict

Thomas Markle "must be feeling quite betrayed" after the split in his family, as suggested by a royal analyst.

Hugo Vickers introduced his new book, Queen Elizabeth II, on April 9, 2026, where he delved into the connections between the late monarch and her extended family.

Within the book, the royal writer touched on the Duchess of Sussex's dad, Thomas Markle, and the controversy surrounding his possible attendance at her wedding.

The late Queen and her husband, Prince Philip, were seated in St George's Chapel for the event, which was also attended by top-tier celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and George Clooney.

Mr. Vickers highlighted that Prince Harry never met his father-in-law and reflected on the possible reasons.

One explanation presented in the book was that Meghan might have felt "embarrassed" by Mr. Markle.

Addressing Mr. Vickers, he responded to GB News: "I present it as a possibility."

The writer added: "A more plausible reason might be that she was worried he could say something to Prince Harry.

"He was supportive of her during her upbringing. If you listen to what he says instead of how it's portrayed, you'll find a kind man who must be feeling very let down.

"Interestingly, it was someone from Prince Harry’s family who suggested she might have been anxious about what he could say."

Mr. Vickers refrained from naming the Royal Family member who actually made this suggestion.

Mr. Markle, 81, has been out of touch with Meghan since shortly before her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018.

The father of three has insisted that two heart attacks just prior to the royal wedding stopped him from attending and escorting Meghan down the aisle, though the duchess hinted he was driven by a wish for media attention.

Due to the rift, Mr. Markle has never met his son-in-law. Furthermore, he remains unfamiliar with his grandchildren, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, four.

Mr. Markle underwent a leg amputation below the knee in December 2025 in a critical "life or death" situation after a blood clot blocked circulation, causing his foot to blacken. The urgent procedure occurred months after he relocated to the Philippines.

After the surgery, Meghan sent her father a letter, with her spokesperson telling GB News: “It has been highly challenging for the Duchess to reach her father privately, despite her persistent efforts over recent days.

“With help from trusted and dependable contacts, her letter is now securely in his possession.”

Mr. Markle is believed to have returned to the US to be fitted with a state-of-the-art prosthetic limb that could help him walk again.

"Next, we'll get an electric wheelchair and then a prosthetic leg," he mentioned.

His oldest daughter, Samantha, shared: "Dad decided to come back to the US for continuous medical treatment.

"Here, he will receive the finest prosthetics and be surrounded by supportive friends and family.

"In spite of enduring such difficult times, this has been a positively transformative experience for dad."

The former Hollywood lighting director has reminisced warmly about his time in Asia, where he received the vital surgery to remove his left leg below the knee.

"I wouldn't be here today if not for the exceptional care from the doctors and nurses in the Philippines," he said. "They saved my life."

Mr. Markle recently disclosed that he has begun a new romance with nurse Rio Canedo.