Meghan Markle’s Estranged Dad Responds to Her Changing Last Name

Meghan Markle’s Estranged Dad Responds to Her Changing Last Name

Meghan Markle’s estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., has spoken out regarding his daughter’s recent decision to change her last name. The Duchess of Sussex, who had previously retained her royal title and surname after stepping back from royal duties in 2020, made headlines when it was revealed she has opted to drop “Duchess of Sussex” from her official documents and adopt her maiden name, “Markle.”

Thomas Markle, who has had a strained relationship with his daughter for years following public fallout and disagreements, addressed her decision in a recent interview. He expressed a mix of confusion and disappointment, claiming he was unaware of her intentions to drop the royal title and change her surname.

“I don’t understand why she would change her name,” Thomas said. “She was born a Markle, and she has every right to be proud of that name. I raised her, and I always thought she would stand by the family name, but it seems like she’s trying to distance herself from everything.”

The public rift between Meghan and her father has been well-documented over the years, starting with his absence at her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018 and continuing through a series of media interviews and public statements. Despite this, Thomas expressed his hopes that his daughter would eventually reach out and mend their relationship.

“I would love for her to reach out to me. I’ve tried many times to get in touch, but she’s always pushed me away,” Thomas said. “I just want her to know that I’m here for her if she ever wants to talk.”

While Meghan has remained largely silent about her father’s comments, sources close to the Duchess have clarified that the decision to change her name reflects her desire to move on from the pressures and responsibilities tied to her royal identity. Meghan has been focused on her charity work, her family with Prince Harry, and her personal projects, including a multi-million dollar deal with Netflix and Spotify.

Meghan’s decision to drop her royal title has sparked mixed reactions. While many applauded her for taking control of her narrative and embracing a more private life, others, including some royal commentators, have expressed disappointment, believing that her royal title was an integral part of her identity and influence.

In the wake of the ongoing public scrutiny of her personal life, Meghan’s relationship with her father remains one of the most poignant and unresolved aspects of her journey. Whether or not the two will ever reconcile remains uncertain, but it’s clear that both Meghan and Thomas continue to feel the weight of their fractured bond.