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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National
Bonnie Christian

Thomas Markle reveals he's 'disappointed' at Harry and Meghan's decision to step back from royal duties

Meghan’s father Thomas Markle has revealed he is “disappointed” at the decision by his daughter and Prince Harry to step back as “senior” members of the royal family.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made the bombshell announcement on Wednesday, revealing they would split their time between the UK and North America and work to become “financially independent”.

Meghan’s estranged father spoke out just hours later, telling Us Weekly: “I’ll just simply say I’m disappointed.”

The 74-year-old, a former Hollywood lighting director, has reportedly not spoken to the Duchess of Sussex since just after the royal wedding in May 2018, which he did not attend due to his health.

In February last year, friends of the duchess revealed she wrote a letter to her estranged father telling him to stop victimising her so the pair could repair their relationship.

After the birth of their son Archie, Mr Markle revealed his sadness at not being invited to his christening.

Harry and Meghan said they would be stepping back from royal duties as members of the royal family after “many months of reflection and internal discussions.”

The Queen and Prince Charles were left in the dark about the timing of the statement.

Buckingham Palace aid discussions with Harry and Meghan on their decision were “at an early stage”, warning the situation would be "complicated".

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