After a long period of silence from Meghan Markle's estranged family – especially her father, Thomas Markle, who has regularly given interviews criticizing his daughter, the Duchess of Sussex – Thomas has returned to the headlines.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Thomas revealed his decision to leave the U.S. and move to Mexico, not due to concerns about Donald Trump’s presidency, but for a fresh start.
The interview included a poignant moment where Thomas, now 80, sorted through old photos of Meghan, with whom he hasn’t spoken in nearly seven years.
When reporter Caroline Graham remarked on the boldness of his decision at his age, Thomas responded: “I don't know if brave is the word. I am ready for a change. I have felt stuck in a rut for some time and I am ready to meet new people and experience kindness.”
Although Thomas didn’t directly link his move to his long-standing public feud with Meghan, he took the opportunity to remind readers that he’s never met his son-in-law, Prince Harry, who didn’t seek his permission to marry Meghan.
He also lamented never meeting his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet and added that He has come to accept that he most likely now never will, but the door remains constantly open for them.
Explaining his choice to move, he said: "At 80 it is time to go somewhere where the people are lovely and I can enjoy a quieter, friendlier existence. In South-East Asia the medical care is good, you can live reasonably cheaply, the people are kind and respect older people and the food is healthy. Mostly I just want peace. At 80, none of us know how long we have left. I want whatever time I have to be peaceful with none of the awful drama of recent years.”
However, his remarks didn’t end on a positive note. "There were good times. She was a good girl. I don't like some of the things my daughter has done but I will always love her. My door is always open to her. I love her and that will never change. I love all my children,” he said.
Thomas also expressed gratitude to King Charles for walking Meghan down the aisle at her wedding, saying: “I'm a grandfather and he is King of England – but he too is a grandfather who would like to see his grandkids.”
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“I'm not running away. I am going in search of a more positive life. Every day I see something about Meghan. This week it has been the new TV show. I wish her no ill-will. My dream is that one day I could bring my whole family together, like a 'normal' family. The British people have been so kind to me. I'd like to thank them for their support and kindness,” he concluded.