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Meghan Markle’s father, Thomas, is in intensive care seriously ill.

(452 Posts)
FriedGreenTomatoes2 Wed 03-Dec-25 19:38:08

Sad to read of this just now.
I do wonder how Meghan will respond. I suppose it’s a case of too little too late now.

Casdon Mon 08-Dec-25 12:57:09

Although what FionaH2000 says is true, so I’m not sure why she is being given such a hard time? You only have to read estrangement posts on Mumsnet to see people who feel exactly as she describes, unpalatable though that is.

Iam64 Mon 08-Dec-25 13:11:49

And the estrangement threads on gransnet. The idea that a phone call promoted by news items on health, the content of which will be publicised is such a dreadful suggestion

Jaxjacky Mon 08-Dec-25 13:18:23

utbb I’ve flagged as of interest.

Anniebach Mon 08-Dec-25 13:59:22

Quote Casdon Mon 08-Dec-25 12:57:09
Although what FionaH2000 says is true, so I’m not sure why she is being given such a hard time? You only have to read estrangement posts on Mumsnet to see people who feel exactly as she describes, unpalatable though that is.

I did not give the poster ‘a hard time’, I don’t read Mumsnet, I said being a retired doctor etc doesn’t mean there can be no wrong diagnosis

Allira Mon 08-Dec-25 14:21:26

Casdon

Although what FionaH2000 says is true, so I’m not sure why she is being given such a hard time? You only have to read estrangement posts on Mumsnet to see people who feel exactly as she describes, unpalatable though that is.

Of course we know it's true but to insinuate something like that of Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland without any indication that that was so, is very wrong indeed.
This is how rumours spread, with posts like that on social media.

The trouble only seem to have started when Mr Markle gave an interview to the press. Ironic, when you think about it.

Smileless2012 Mon 08-Dec-25 14:44:43

Not all parents who become estranged are abusers.

Allira Mon 08-Dec-25 14:47:35

Smileless2012

Not all parents who become estranged are abusers.

No, it is quite a shocking allegation made by a poster who does not know any more than most others.

From all the photos in circulation from when Meghan was a child to adult, she seems to have had a happy, close relationship with her father.

Casdon Mon 08-Dec-25 15:04:41

Allira

Casdon

Although what FionaH2000 says is true, so I’m not sure why she is being given such a hard time? You only have to read estrangement posts on Mumsnet to see people who feel exactly as she describes, unpalatable though that is.

Of course we know it's true but to insinuate something like that of Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland without any indication that that was so, is very wrong indeed.
This is how rumours spread, with posts like that on social media.

The trouble only seem to have started when Mr Markle gave an interview to the press. Ironic, when you think about it.

I’ve read the post again, and I don’t think she did? Her post was generic.

Allira Mon 08-Dec-25 15:12:13

hmm

.

eazybee Mon 08-Dec-25 15:12:56

Best to treat such insinuating comments with caution.

MarieElla Mon 08-Dec-25 15:14:41

I remember Tomas Markle saying in one of his many interviews that he had looked after Meghan well and now it was her turn to 'take care' of him.
Which to me, sounds like that expectation could have contributed to Meghan cutting contact.

Anniebach Mon 08-Dec-25 15:21:17

Did Mr Markle say he expected Megan to look after him when the engagement was announced ?

MarieElla Mon 08-Dec-25 15:55:13

I think he meant financially.
The interview was after their wedding.
I think that expectation could have contributed to their estrangement.

CariadAgain Mon 08-Dec-25 15:58:04

Well seems it's been established what Megan means by she's "reached out" to him - she sent him an email to an old email address and he rarely/if ever checks his email anyway. He does still have the phone number he's had for some time - but no contact that way.

Anniebach Mon 08-Dec-25 16:18:40

I haven’t listened to any interviews,

Smileless2012 Mon 08-Dec-25 16:54:13

Unfortunately Allira it's not uncommon for it to be suggested that if you're an EP it follows that you must have been abusive.

Maremia Mon 08-Dec-25 17:06:16

That is a vey unfair thing to say. The Estrangement Threads are heartbreaking.

Smileless2012 Mon 08-Dec-25 17:36:03

Yes it is very unfair and very hurtful Maremia.

Allira Mon 08-Dec-25 18:00:43

MarieElla

I remember Tomas Markle saying in one of his many interviews that he had looked after Meghan well and now it was her turn to 'take care' of him.
Which to me, sounds like that expectation could have contributed to Meghan cutting contact.

Do you have a link to that?

Allira Mon 08-Dec-25 18:17:33

Allira

MarieElla

I remember Tomas Markle saying in one of his many interviews that he had looked after Meghan well and now it was her turn to 'take care' of him.
Which to me, sounds like that expectation could have contributed to Meghan cutting contact.

Do you have a link to that?

Found this:

Thomas previously revealed he had expected Meghan to look after him.

He said: “I took care of my mother for the last five years of her life.

“My daughter said she’d take care of me in my declining years. I’m not talking money, I’m talking about taking care of me. That’s important to me.”

Allira Mon 08-Dec-25 18:18:59

I doubt that he meant actually physically nursing him.

Just caring about him.

Iam64 Mon 08-Dec-25 18:53:03

Taking care of me - suggests an active role in his care needs. That could include organising carers and providing necessary financial support.
What do we know though.
Estrangement rarely comes in response to one issue. I’m not criticising estranged adult children or their parents in saying this, just stating reality.
It’s devastating to be estranged from adult children. The adult children seem to believe the actions of their parents, either years ago, or recently, justify their decisions.
My view is it’s complicated. We all have our ‘own truth ‘ I loathe the phrase ‘be kind’ but it’s one we could all reflect on before jumping to conclusions.

lemsip Mon 08-Dec-25 19:13:00

Meghan snubbed her father in the worst way by not having him walk her down the aisle. She allowed the then Prince Charles to do it. Much more prestigious. For good measure only her Mother attended the wedding! A statement of course! all the rest were film stars and celebs she didn't even know! Says a lot about a person does that!

lemsip Mon 08-Dec-25 19:20:20

www.youtube.com/watch?v=sL8DDNhtBzw/

meghan growing up and at school followed by her father interview saying about her looking after her.

Anniebach Mon 08-Dec-25 19:34:52

Yes, I too think he was saying ‘care about me ‘ ,