Meghan Markle has kept her husband Prince Harry out of Thomas Markle’s reach because of what the controversial figure might reveal.
Markle has kept a safe distance from her father, Thomas Markle, for years, following a series of public appearances he made after the former actress’ engagement to Prince Harry.
Although Thomas reportedly had a close relationship with his daughter during childhood, he is yet to meet her husband Prince Harry face-to-face – despite the couple entering their eighth year of marriage.
A royal source has revealed the pair’s long-awaited meeting is not expected to happen any time soon, which is exactly how the Duchess of Sussex wants it.
Royal biographer Hugo Vickers said the former actress is likely ashamed of her father and “nervous” of what he might share with Prince Harry.
“I think more likely she (is) nervous that he might say something to Prince Harry,” Vickers told GB News.
He added the suggestion came from inside the palace walls.
“It was, in fact, a member of Prince Harry’s family who suggested that she might have been nervous of what he might say,” he added.
Vickers sympathised with the 81-year-old, saying that he’s been “extremely let down” by his daughter’s treatment of him over the years.
“He was good to her when she was growing up,” Vickers said.
“If you listen to what he says as opposed to how his words are reported, you will find a decent man who must feel extremely let down.”
The chance of a family reunion was raised and then quickly shut down after news broke that Thomas Markle would be returning to the US following an emergency leg amputation in Cebu, the Philippines.
Markle’s half-sister Samantha told The Mirror that her father was moving back to the US to receive further medical care, where he will have access to high-quality prosthetics.
“Dad made the decision to come back to the US for ongoing medical care,” she said.
“He will be able to get the best prosthetics here and be surrounded by friends and family to support him.
“Even though he has been through such traumatic times, this has been a positive spiritual experience for dad.”
A source told Radar Online that Meghan is facing criticism since there is still “no sign of a reconciliation” between the pair, even under such drastic circumstances.
“She has no plans to see her estranged father despite his ill health,” the source said.
“For many observers, this moment feels like a turning point – Thomas is elderly, he has undergone a serious, life-altering surgery.
“Yet, there is still no sign of a reconciliation.
“People are questioning how Meghan can continue to keep such a distance when the circumstances are so stark.”
He added that Markle’s decision is the most brutal move to date.
“There is a perception that this is one of the most difficult chapters in their relationship, and the most brutal family move Meghan has ever made,” the source said.