MEGHAN TAKES DAD TO COURT
THE DUCHESS FORCES HER ILL DAD TO GO TO COURT FOR ACCESS TO ARCHIE AND LILI
It’s been three years since Meghan Markle tied the knot with Prince Harry, 36, at Windsor Castle. But despite relocating to the US and being just 110km from her father Thomas Markle’s home in Mexico, he is yet to meet his son-in-law or their children. Gravely ill with a heart condition, it’s Thomas’ final wish to see his grandson Archie, 2, and 2-month-old granddaughter Lilibet. The retired lighting director, 77, is willing to go to any length to have a relationship with his kin, even if it means taking his daughter to court!
“I will be petitioning the California courts for the rights to see my grandchildren in the very near future,” Thomas told Fox News. “We shouldn’t be punishing [the kids] for Meghan and Harry’s bad behaviour. Archie and Lili are small children. They’re not politics. They’re not pawns,” he added.
Meghan fell out with her dad before her 2018 wedding after he was caught staging paparazzi pictures. A few days later, he pulled out of walking her down the aisle after having a massive heart attack.
Thomas revealed the full extent of his deteriorating health to the British court last October when he submitted a statement on behalf of the publisher Associated
Newspapers, who were being sued by his daughter. Thomas told the court he struggled “to walk 40 steps without getting out of breath” and felt his days were numbered. “I am a realist and I could die tomorrow,” his statement read.
Meghan has admitted she felt “betrayed” by her dad after he spoke to the press about her and she can’t see them ever reconciling.
“I’ve lost my father,” Meghan told talk show host Oprah Winfrey during her and Harry’s bombshell interview in March. “I genuinely can’t imagine doing anything to intentionally cause pain to my child. I can’t imagine it.
So, it’s hard for me to reconcile that [with what dad did],” she added.
Despite Thomas’ desire to see his grandkids before he dies, celebrity divorce attorney Mark Gross, who has represented Charlie Sheen and Lisa Marie Presley, doesn’t think he stands much of a chance.
“With no relationship established between Mr Markle and his grandchildren, there is no path that any court would give him for visitation,” the solicitor told Us Weekly magazine.
Safe in the knowledge that she won’t have to hand over her children for visitation rights to her estranged father anytime soon, Meghan has been able to turn her attention back to more fun matters: planning her birthday bash. The mum-of-two turned 40 on August 4.
Not afraid to host an elaborate blowout –Meghan’s star-studded 2019 New York
“I could die tomorrow” THOMAS
City baby shower reportedly cost over $500,000 – this time she is said to be planning a much more intimate occasion at her and Harry’s $20 million Montecito mansion in California.
To help her put together the special event, Meghan has hired A-list party planner Colin Cowie, whose previous clients include her good friend Winfrey and Kim Kardashian. Guests will reportedly be treated to “grazing tables” and locally sourced foods and wines.
“Meghan wants a small gathering. About 65 people are invited, her closest friends and family,” a source told British newspaper The Mirror.
Despite Thomas’ ailing health, it’s safe to say he won’t be receiving one of his daughter’s ultra-exclusive invites!
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