Thomas Markle, set to turn 80 on July 18, reflects on his life and strained relationship with daughter Meghan Markle from his home in Rosarito, Mexico. He expressed surprise at reaching this milestone, noting, “My father died at 61.” Despite a good life, he feels overshadowed by the past six years of estrangement from Meghan, which began in 2018.

Thomas missed Meghan’s wedding to Prince Harry due to heart attacks, and they haven’t spoken since. “I would love to meet my grandchildren, but I would be happy with a photograph at this stage,” he revealed. Living 250 miles from Meghan and Harry’s home, he wonders, “Why didn’t Harry ever come to meet me?”

Thomas empathizes with King Charles III, both grandfathers unable to see their grandchildren. “Neither of us deserves the treatment we’ve received,” he said, noting Charles’s cancer diagnosis and his own health issues. He questions Meghan and Harry’s decisions, saying, “Why have they treated not only me but the Royal Family and the King so badly?”

Thomas reminisced about his career and providing for Meghan and her mother, Doria Ragland. Despite his past mistakes, like the paparazzi photo scandal, he hoped for reconciliation. “I wish we could have worked this situation out. I was always ready and willing to do that,” he stated, planning to spend his birthday with his son and a call from his daughter Samantha.