Thomas Markle criticized the royal couple for refusing to see him during his interview with the Australian TV show 60 Minutes.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey caught the attention of people around the world for so many reasons, especially for their remarks about the royal family. Recently, Meghan's father Thomas Markle opened up about the interview.
According to The Sun, the 76-year-old accused the television host Oprah of taking advantage of "weak" Harry and playing the couple into saying things that got them into trouble.
“I have things to say. Oprah Winfrey, for one, I think is playing Harry and Meghan," said Thomas in an interview with the Australian TV show 60 Minutes, according to The Sun.
He continued, "I think she is using them to build her network and build her new shows and I think she’s taken advantage of a very weakened man and has got him to say things that you just shouldn’t be saying on television."
Further, the estranged father of the Duchess stated, "She will disagree of course, and she may even sue me, I don’t care. But the bottom line is she is working Harry.”
During the interview with Oprah, the couple accused the British royal family of racism. "In the months when I was pregnant… we have in tandem the conversation of he won't be given security, he's not going to be given a title, and also concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he's born," revealed Meghan, according to The Guardian.
Further, alluding to the incident, Harry added, "That conversation, I’m never going to share. But at the time, it was awkward. I was a bit shocked," according to The Guardian.
Additionally, Meghan revealed her struggles with mental health during her time at the royal household. "I just didn’t want to be alive anymore. And that was a very clear and real and frightening, constant thought. And I remember how he [Harry] just cradled me," said the Duchess.
Speaking of his royal life, Harry told Oprah that he felt "trapped" in the system. He also claimed that his father and brother had the same fate but were unable to leave.
These statements by the couple led to a lot of discussions and conflicts. While the public was shocked, the members of the royal household were infuriated.
Meanwhile, Thomas also used the interview to criticize Harry and Meghan for refusing to see him. He claimed even “axe murderers” are visited by their family, according to Metro. He also revealed that he came to know of Harry and Meghan's second child through their public statement.
“I found out (about Lilibet’s birth) after the face and I have to deal with that and that’s okay. There’s always disappointment here. Lili is perfect and the other thing that makes me happy is that there is a lot more Markle blood in the Royal Family," said Thomas.
He also spoke of his hopes of seeing his grandchildren someday. “All I can say is that I hope eventually I get to see these grandchildren of mine. I’m a pretty good grandpa. August 4, 40 years ago, Megan was born by c-section and I was the first one to hold her in my arms. I fell in love with her and I’ve been that way ever since. I will be very disappointed if I don’t get to hold my granddaughter," said Thomas.
Thomas has not met Harry or either of his grandchildren.
References:
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/15260279/thomas-markle-prince-harry-weak-oprah/
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/mar/08/meghan-and-harry-oprah-interview-the-key-quotes
Cover Image Source: (L) 60 minutes Youtube video screenshot and (R) Getty Images, Photo by Eddie Mulholland
