Meghan Markle’s dad says Prince Harry is ‘weak’ and Oprah ‘took advantage’ of him
MEGHAN Markle’s dad has accused Oprah Winfrey of “taking advantage” of “weakened” Prince Harry and “playing” his daughter.
In a bombshell interview, Thomas Markle claimed that Oprah tricked Harry into “saying things you just shouldn’t be saying on television”.
The granddad, 76, is estranged from Meghan and they have not spoken since 2018, when he sensationally pulled out of going to his daughter’s wedding.
He said that he “cried a little” as he watched the royal wedding on TV from Mexico.
Mr Markle told Australian TV show 60 Minutes: “I have things to say. Oprah Winfrey, for one, I think is playing Harry and Meghan.
“I think she is using them to build her network and build her new shows and I think she’s taken advantage of a very weakened man and has got him to say things that you just shouldn’t be saying on television.
“She will disagree of course, and she may even sue me, I don’t care. But the bottom line is she is working Harry.”
Harry and Meghan’s chat with Oprah sent shockwaves through the Royal Family when it was broadcast in March this year.
During the interview, the couple made a series of bombshell allegations, including claims that an unnamed royal had expressed concerns over the colour of baby Archie’s skin.
Meghan also claimed that the Palace had denied her mental health support, while Harry said Prince Charles had stopped taking his calls after Megxit.
In the chat, he also criticised the “cold” couple for refusing to see him, despite him living just 70 miles away from their swanky £11million mansion in Santa Barbara.
Thomas Markle added that even “axe murderers” are visited by their families.
Mr Markle also said he was “disappointed” to find out about his new baby granddaughter after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex put out a public statement.
He added: “My congratulations Harry and Meghan.
“I found out (Lilbet’s birth) after the face and I have to deal with that and that’s okay. There’s always disappointment here.
“Lili is perfect and the other thing that makes me happy is that there is a lot more Markle blood in the Royal Family.”
He continued: “All I can say is that I hope eventually I get to see these grandchildren of mine. I’m a pretty good grandpa.
“”August 4, 40 years ago, Megan was born by c-section and I was the first one to hold her in my arms. I fell in love with her and I’ve been that way ever since.
“I will be very disappointed if I don’t get to hold my granddaughter.”
Despite Meghan marrying Prince Harry in 2018, Thomas still hasn’t met his new son-in-law or his grandson Archie.
During the interview, Thomas Markle also claimed it was “unfortunate” that the Duke of Sussex’ relationship with his father had deteriorated.
Comparing himself to Charles, he suggested they had both been “ghosted” by Harry and Meghan.
He went on: “I think we would get on quite well [if we went for a drink together] and I think it’s unfortunate what’s happened to him as well.
“He seems like a likeable guy and I appreciate the fact that he walked my daughter down the aisle.
“I could certainly not have asked for a better replacement, although I would have liked to have done it myself.”
Mr Markle continued: “I see them both ghosting their families completely and now they are alone in a huge house where they can probably accommodate 20 people in but it’s just the four of them.
“I don’t think they are going to have relatives over for a barbecue next week or next month. I don’t know why.”
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Before becoming a royal, Meghan was very vocal on social media about her love for her dad.
In 2016 she wrote on Instagram: “Happy Father’s Day, daddy. I’m still your buckaroo, and to this day your hugs are still the very best in the whole wide world.”
“Thanks for my work ethic, my love of Busby Berkeley films & club sandwiches, for teaching me the importance of handwritten thank you notes, and for giving me that signature Markle nose. I love you xo -Bean.”