The Duchess of Sussex: Family and Background

[XeniaCasaraghi]

If there were hidden Raglands in the church than all the better; if you have a huge guest list I think you should invite family even if you aren't close. I suspect she has more of a history with hidden Raglands than with the Clooneys or Oprah. It is just my opinion that I would invite certain cousins and aunts even if we aren't as close as we should be; especially in such a situation where they have proven they can be trusted to keep quiet. That's just me and that's why I always hope she invited more family than just her mom.

Not only has Tom shown himself to be selfish but also sneaky and deceptive.

[Zaira]

Sorry, but unless Markle Snr is exceptionally dumb, there is 0 way he doesn’t know this is bad and an awful idea. In fact, he seems acutely aware it’s not a good idea hence why he yet again DIDNT inform his daughter or the palace.

I’ve said before when he pulled these things before the wedding and I will say again, he is gaslighting Meghan. He may not realize he is but he is absolutely being emotionally manipulative and IMO. I don’t know what has changed in the interim months to make him this way, but then again sometimes game brings out the worst in people.

That is your right Xenia for your wedding. But this was Meghan’s and she invited who she wanted.

Very similar to Meghan: One of my best friends got married and only invited her dad. That is it of her family. She didn’t want the drama that her family inevitably caused wherever they went. Not everyone’s family is such that having them at your wedding is value added or meaningful.

It is so weird that people judge Meghan or anyone on this to me.

[ACO]

All Meghan can do at this point is ignore her father and remove him from her life.

[Dman]

Originally Posted by ACO

All Meghan can do at this point is ignore her father and remove him from her life.

It’s pretty hard to remove a parent from your life. Thomas Markle Sr. is her father, so the whole situation with her dad must be very personal and hard for her. This is a very personal situation.

[ladongas]

Just ignore him. Unlikely anyone else will want to interview him, and there are only so many pictures of the guy rambling around Rosarita Beach that anyone would want to see. He’s entitled to talk all he wants, and we and the rest of the world are entitled not to listen.

[Osipi]

Then the solution to that problem is for Harry and Meghan to be very, very careful of their words if and when they talk to him. I imagine they already have strained conversations between them as they do have the awareness that whatever they say could end up in the press the next day. Keep conversations to safe territories as inquiring into his heath, the flowers blooming at Nott Cott and what they made for dinner last night kind of thing.

[ACO]

Originally Posted by Dman

It’s pretty hard to remove a parent from your life. Thomas Markle Sr. is her father, so the whole situation with her dad must be very personal and hard for her. This is a very personal situation.

I guess it would depend on how angry you are. My bestfriend stopped talking to her mother when she was 21 years old after she came out as a lesbian. They haven't talked in over a decade. It is hard but can be done.

Honestly I haven't gotten the impression that Meghan is all that close to Thomas. The fact it took her until she was about to marry Harry to introduce him to via the phone speaks volumes. Was he even at her 1st wedding? It is a serious question.

I don't doubt she loves him but that doesn't mean they have been particularly close and I am guessing his actions in the last few weeks have not made it easy. He can't be trusted and at this point she is better to protect herself from him.

[Cocoasneeze]

There's no way Thomas Snr can be made to sign a NDA. He simply would break the NDA, and then what? Harry and Meghan take him to court?! Not happening. They just need to ignore him, not reveal anything to him, and let him humiliate himself.

[XeniaCasaraghi]

Originally Posted by ACO

I guess it would depend on how angry you are. My bestfriend stopped talking to her mother when she was 21 years old after she came out as a lesbian. They haven't talked in over a decade. It is hard but can be done.

Honestly I haven't gotten the impression that Meghan is all that close to Thomas. The fact it took her until she was about to marry Harry to introduce him to via the phone speaks volumes. Was he even at her 1st wedding? It is a serious question.

I don't doubt she loves him but that doesn't mean they have been particularly close and I am guessing his actions in the last few weeks have not made it easy. He can't be trusted and at this point she is better to protect herself from him.

That may be what you would do but no one knows if that is what Meghan wants. She may love her dad unconditionally and won't be open to locking him out of her life.

Harry handled the situation in a good way, he was polite but revealed nothing to him; that is how Tom should be handled. They all now know he can't be trusted and have to be careful when around him. I think Harry will continue to have a relationship with him but I don't see Charles, William, or the Queen being receptive.

[Osipi]

Meghan and Harry will never be able to "control" any family member and to try and do so would just fan the flames of discord we've already seen happening way to much. I'm sure they're both aware of how this is playing out and will act responsibly and with compassion but yet never playing into or setting themselves up to be drawn into the media frenzy Meghan's paternal side of the family is causing.

[ACO]

Originally Posted by XeniaCasaraghi

That may be what you would do but no one knows if that is what Meghan wants. She may love her dad unconditionally and won't be open to locking him out of her life.

Harry handled the situation in a good way, he was polite but revealed nothing to him; that is how Tom should be handled. They all now know he can't be trusted and have to be careful when around him. I think Harry will continue to have a relationship with him but I don't see Charles, William, or the Queen being receptive.

Then Meghan will deal with him betraying her constantly. He has done it three times now. How much can someone take? Frankly, I think it will just go back to how it likely has been. They exchange pleasantries and keep it moving. No doubt Harry is completely done with him and their future kids will not be around him. The BRF will do what is best for them and will overrule Meghan if they have to. Not that I think it will ever go that far because Meghan has shown to cut out the toxic in her life.

[Osipi]

I have no doubt in my mind that Meghan sincerely loves her father but loving someone doesn't mean condoning their actions and behaviors. Harry and Meghan know well what is acceptable and what is not and will act accordingly.

With the realization that Meghan's dad is prone to not making the wisest of decisions, the best solution is not to give him anything at all to work with in the first place. He will always be a grandfather to any children they may have but private details about anything relating to Harry and Meghan and their private life will not be shared with Tom Sr.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

[jacqui24]

Originally Posted by ACO

Then Meghan will deal with him betraying her constantly. He has done it three times now. How much can someone take? Frankly, I think it will just go back to how it likely has been. They exchange pleasantries and keep it moving. No doubt Harry is completely done with him and their future kids will not be around him. The BRF will do what is best for them and will overrule Meghan if they have to. Not that I think it will ever go that far because Meghan has shown to cut out the toxic in her life.

I think that's perhaps what you'd do rather than what Harry or BRF will do. Ultimately, he's unlikely to physically or emotionally harm any children Harry or Meghan would have. The BRF isn't going to bar him as long as Meghan wishes for him to be around in whatever limited capacity (it's not like they live in the same country). The Queen still received Fergie after we've all seen photos of her with stacks of money in front of her engaged in a conversation about selling access to Andrew and talking about why the Queen likes her. Clearly, her tolerance level is a lot higher than royal watchers.

[Curbside]

Originally Posted by jacqui24

I remember the story about her mom's younger half-brother and his mother reportedly being there. The Johnsons (Doria's older half siblings from her mother's side) denied they were invited, but didn't seem to be too bitter about it. From what's been reported is that they aren't close.

And yes, I'm well aware there is more people in her extended family than just her mother, father, brother, and sister. However, all of her grandparents have passed away, and Meghan isn't close to most of her uncles and aunts. So I don't see why she'd have to invite them if she's not close to them. Especially those that feels entitled.

It's interesting to me that from everything we've heard, I've not heard one incident from any of them about a specific fall out with Meghan personally. Even when Samantha described their last phone call, which she took offense to Meghan not doing what she wanted Meghan to do, it seems like Meghan handled them in a cordial manner without giving up to what she believes is the right thing to do. Quite high EQ on that front. It does seem like Meghan tried to stay out of their drama and not get dragged in. So, good for her.

If I were invited and attending, I might deny it, myself. Think of all the unwanted attention invited by attending a high-profile wedding like M&H.

[wyevale]

anything relating to Harry and Meghan and their private life will not be shared with Tom Sr.

That may well be the case, but Markle Sr seems SO easy to manipulate, that 'journalists', relatives or [indeed] 'Tom, Dick and Harry' are likely to be able to 'auto-suggest' or put words into his mouth, thus creating an unceasing flow of grievances or stories, to make him/them/Samantha the $ and notoriety they crave ?

[Lumutqueen]

Originally Posted by AlowVera

I say payout, NDA.

The BRF, nor Henry, nor some secret fund is going to pay The Duchess of Sussexs' father to be quiet. A non disclosure agreement, is specifically designed for confidential information, whilst Thomas revealing that he and Henry have talked about President Trump isn't right, it's not something I would consider confidential. The fact that Markle Snr lives in the US primarily, and the Sussex's live in the UK the legality that would have to go into that document is baffling. A retirement village for a perfectly able man, is also a ridiculous suggestion.

Thomas Markle shouldn't have agreed to the GMB interview without proper guidance. For me watching it, it's quite clear that Thomas wants to get his point across on how he is hurting from his decision, and he wants to do it publicly by himself, no samantha strings attached, because that's what got him into this mess.

However what is also clear is that neither Meghan, nor Henry nor Kensington Palace have been forthcoming with help or guidance on anything so Thomas has gone out into the big wild Piers Morgan world by himself. Whilst I do not know what has happened behind closed doors, if Meghan wants her father as part of her life, he needs to have support. If she doesn't then cut strings and let loose. We're somewhere in between right now and nobodies guiding anyone. If as people have suggested Thomas has been told to "sit down and shut up" and has been ignored then I feel that was the wrong course of action for this man. He needs to be told to sit down, listen and learn.

Piers Morgan is known for his relationship with Donald Trump, it is the sole reason he asked that question so he could use the answer to further his agenda, and have the accolade of saying Prince Henry likes Trump etc.

[Osipi]

Originally Posted by wyevale

That may well be the case, but Markle Sr seems SO easy to manipulate, that 'journalists', relatives or [indeed] 'Tom, Dick and Harry' are likely to be able to 'auto-suggest' or put words into his mouth, thus creating an unceasing flow of grievances or stories, to make him/them/Samantha the $ and notoriety they crave ?

In all honesty, I do believe that this is the crux of the matter. It really is kind of sad isn't it.

[CTchic]

Originally Posted by Lumutqueen

The BRF, nor Henry, nor some secret fund is going to pay The Duchess of Sussexs' father to be quiet. A non disclosure agreement, is specifically designed for confidential information, whilst Thomas revealing that he and Henry have talked about President Trump isn't right, it's not something I would consider confidential. The fact that Markle Snr lives in the US primarily, and the Sussex's live in the UK the legality that would have to go into that document is baffling. A retirement village for a perfectly able man, is also a ridiculous suggestion.

Thomas Markle shouldn't have agreed to the GMB interview without proper guidance. For me watching it, it's quite clear that Thomas wants to get his point across on how he is hurting from his decision, and he wants to do it publicly by himself, no samantha strings attached, because that's what got him into this mess.

However what is also clear is that neither Meghan, nor Henry nor Kensington Palace have been forthcoming with help or guidance on anything so Thomas has gone out into the big wild Piers Morgan world by himself. Whilst I do not know what has happened behind closed doors, if Meghan wants her father as part of her life, he needs to have support. If she doesn't then cut strings and let loose. We're somewhere in between right now and nobodies guiding anyone. If as people have suggested Thomas has been told to "sit down and shut up" and has been ignored then I feel that was the wrong course of action for this man. He needs to be told to sit down, listen and learn.

Piers Morgan is known for his relationship with Donald Trump, it is the sole reason he asked that question so he could use the answer to further his agenda, and have the accolade of saying Prince Henry likes Trump etc.

He said in the interview that he refused help from KP and that Harry and Meghan have told him not to speak to the press. If that is not guidance to a grown adult then i don't know what is.

It is clear that Meghan is not close to her father but respects and loves him and wanted him involved in the wedding but based on his actions, I can see why they are not close.

If you watched the interview, not once did he talk about how he wanted to be there for his daughter but rather just wanted to be at a royal wedding.

A family of grifters these Markles and Snr is easily manipulated IMO.

[jacqui24]

Originally Posted by Lumutqueen

The BRF, nor Henry, nor some secret fund is going to pay The Duchess of Sussexs' father to be quiet. A non disclosure agreement, is specifically designed for confidential information, whilst Thomas revealing that he and Henry have talked about President Trump isn't right, it's not something I would consider confidential. The fact that Markle Snr lives in the US primarily, and the Sussex's live in the UK the legality that would have to go into that document is baffling. A retirement village for a perfectly able man, is also a ridiculous suggestion.

Thomas Markle shouldn't have agreed to the GMB interview without proper guidance. For me watching it, it's quite clear that Thomas wants to get his point across on how he is hurting from his decision, and he wants to do it publicly by himself, no samantha strings attached, because that's what got him into this mess.

However what is also clear is that neither Meghan, nor Henry nor Kensington Palace have been forthcoming with help or guidance on anything so Thomas has gone out into the big wild Piers Morgan world by himself. Whilst I do not know what has happened behind closed doors, if Meghan wants her father as part of her life, he needs to have support. If she doesn't then cut strings and let loose. We're somewhere in between right now and nobodies guiding anyone. If as people have suggested Thomas has been told to "sit down and shut up" and has been ignored then I feel that was the wrong course of action for this man. He needs to be told to sit down, listen and learn.

Piers Morgan is known for his relationship with Donald Trump, it is the sole reason he asked that question so he could use the answer to further his agenda, and have the accolade of saying Prince Henry likes Trump etc.

I do feel like KP and Meghan and Harry are unfairly criticized in this matter. Based on Thomas Markle's own words, it does seem that he was offered advice, but he chose to go with a different way. In fact, he knew what their advice was on speaking to the media to a point where he went out of his way to keep this from them if we were to believe what Piers said about the heads up KP got. And I have no reason to doubt him on this. He might twist it in his interpretation, but I don't see what he gets out of lying about this.

I mean, most daughters wouldn't even be speaking to their father after the paparazzi photos came out or the drama that he subsequently brought on the week of their wedding. Yet Meghan and Harry has consistently said they want him to come and they took care of everything for him subsequent to that. They discussed going to see him, and it was Tom Markle to told them not to. Let's be a bit fair here. After all of this, no one can say he wasn't offered help. He was. He choose to handle it differently. That's his prerogative. And now they ALL have to live with his bad decisions. I'm HOPING after all of this that he realizes you can't set the record straight with the press. Best to just move on with your life and they will move on the next story.

Meghan, Harry, and KP can only offer support, not force him to listen.

Having finally watched the entire thing. The only time Tom Markle seemed very emotional, and almost break down is when he was talking about his image. Proves my point that he doesn't realize this is so much more than him.

[Dman]

Originally Posted by Osipi

I have no doubt in my mind that Meghan sincerely loves her father but loving someone doesn't mean condoning their actions and behaviors. Harry and Meghan know well what is acceptable and what is not and will act accordingly.

With the realization that Meghan's dad is prone to not making the wisest of decisions, the best solution is not to give him anything at all to work with in the first place. He will always be a grandfather to any children they may have but private details about anything relating to Harry and Meghan and their private life will not be shared with Tom Sr.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

We really don’t know how Meghan will handle relations with her father.

I just feel bad that her father’s side of the family have treated her so bad and caused some unwanted press attention for her. That woman don’t deserve this kind of treatment.