Thanks for your follow-up
@Osipi. I completely agree with your comments. And indeed, the interview was hard to watch. It must be painful for Meghan seeing the way her father is being exploited, especially being that she loves him, understands his faults and is aware that he's made poor choices in the past. Again, it's difficult to try and guide an autonomous 70+ year old adult in a situation like this.
There were some harmlessly interesting and humorous responses by Mr. Markle in the interview. But yes, with the ever-increasing smarmy prying by Piers and the female host, Mr. Markle looked visibly more uncomfortable, almost as if he might have another heart attack on the set.
He had to hold the concealed microphone over his ear, his voice shook at times, and his eyes twitched. But again, he's clearly proud of his daughter and he loves his daughter, and he showed concern for Meghan and Harry when he spoke of hoping they would have a chance to get away soon. His obvious love and concern makes it all the more sad that he seems incapable of discreetly handling the spotlight and the OTT exploitation. And it's tragic that he doesn't realize he's adding to Harry's and Meghan's media pressure.
It would be nice if discreet Mr. Middleton could show Mr. Markle the ropes, but that's very unlikely to happen.
I regret to say this pathetic business was reported on the main BBC Radio 4 news at 10pm, including that Markle sr ONLY 'gave his consent' to the union once assured the Duke would never 'raise his hand' to the Duchess... The tone adopted was one of wry amusement, and not a little ridicule...
The fact that Mr. Markle was manipulated by Piers Morgan to give specific details about what he said to Harry when he was asked for Meghan's hand in marriage, is what led to the comment which has been twisted as somehow being a negative implication against Harry. If you listen to the context, it becomes clear that
it was a request by Mr. Markle which shows his loving care for his daughter. It's obviously something that Mr. Markle would have said to and required of any man marrying his daughter. For all we know, Mr. Markle likely said the same thing to Meghan's first husband (if Mr. Markle was asked as a courtesy for her hand in marriage, in that relationship).
They may as well also make fun of the question asked by ministers at weddings before vows are recited, as to whether anyone present knows a reason why the couple may not be joined together.
The question is asked, without anticipation of there being a reply. Mr. Markle made the request of Harry because he loves his daughter, not because he believes anything negative about Harry's character. Mountain out of molehill. And obviously that's the reason to use discretion, or better yet as a family member related to a royal in-law, to remain completely quiet.