With the countdown to the coronation of Charles III, in which Meghan Markle will not be, having decided to stay in Los Angeles with her children while Harry travels to be with his family, the Duchess of Sussex's paternal family continues to grab headlines.
Thomas Markle recently appeared on Australian television's 7NEWS Spotlight, where he spoke of the sadness he feels at having been taken from his daughter's life just days before her wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018.
"I used to have a phone number and a text number from his personal assistants at the Palace, but after I said some critical words about the Royal Family changing Meghan, they cut me off," he explained.
Family videos of the Duchess in her childhood and youth were shown during the programme, and Thomas Markle admitted that he watches them from time to time to remember his daughter. "I refuse to be buried by her, is it worth getting rid of her father? Denying my grandchildren? I wish we could sit down and talk," he explained.
The father, who has not seen or spoken to his daughter for five years, has pointed out that it is "very sad for a father not to be able to communicate with his daughter" and added that he "would love to meet" his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet.
Meghan's father has also expressed deep regret for posing for paparazzi photos before the royal wedding and for going public with his daughter's letter of dismay, actions that greatly upset Meghan and led her to distance himself from his father's family.
He has also said that he hopes that Meghan and he can "one day sit down and talk and resolve our differences", although he has pointed out that even his heart attack did not arouse sympathy in his daughter.
Despite the fact that the situation is very tense, Markle has been hopeful that Harry will intercede for him, since he has suffered the loss of his own mother and values family ties: I wish we could resolve our differences. I think Harry should take the initiative here and try to unite us somehow. I think he could help."
Despite the father's words, Samantha, Meghan's sister, has charged the couple, including Harry. "They are really unhealthy for each other", she has assured her, at the same time that she has also commented that they have "a toxic relationship".
