Pa Markle must learn to shut up
WHAT doesn’t Meghan’s dad get about not selling his daughter down the Swanee? Posing for faked paparazzi snaps was a rookie mistake. Most of us would have pardoned him for it. Even the Royal Family would have regarded his transgression with a mix of irritation and compassion.
They’re not made of stone. They know Sophie, Countess of Wessex and good old Fergie were embarrassingly caught out by the Fake Sheikh. They’re aware that newbies can sometimes make a pig’s ear of protocol.
They’d probably have forgiven and forgotten if Mr Markle had simply had the common sense not to compound his errors by bursting forth in an unnecessary TV interview swiftly followed by a flood of revelations in print, thereby heaping humiliation on his daughter, bringing a flush of fury to Prince Harry’s freckled cheeks and adding to the harm he’s already inflicted.
Markle’s latest unhelpful observations include: “I am her father. And the bottom line with that is – I deserve some respect.” To the Royal Family: “Get over it. Just get over it.” And to anyone who will listen: “Meghan looks like something out of an old movie. Why in 2018 are we dressing like the 1930s? Why do they have to cover their knees?”
And just to ramp up the controversy: “My thing about my daughter right now is that I think she’s terrified… It really worries me. I think she’s under too much pressure.”
I have to take a deep breath and count to 10 before even beginning to react. The overwhelming fact here is that Markle is entitled to his thoughts and feelings. What he is not entitled to do – and still demand respect as Meghan’s father – is make these emotions public. He should express them to his daughter in private.
If his assertion that she is no longer taking his calls is true he should write her a letter. He should not profess to love and care for Meghan while simultaneously being paid for indiscreet, sniping interviews about her.
Taking your points in order Mr Markle. No, you don’t deserve respect for simply being someone’s father. You have to act like a father, be trustworthy and defend your offspring’s good name with every fibre of your being. In this situation all of the above rest upon shutting up and guarding her privacy.
No, you don’t dictate to other people when they should recover from an unkind act you have inflicted on them. The Royal Family will move on when they feel able. Calling for them to “get over it” in public will only have the opposite effect. What’s more, surely you must realise your views on fashion are not likely to be taken seriously. With the exception of that fictitious fitting for a morning suit your dress sense has never been your defining feature.
Your daughter has been seen in a variety of formal settings performing the function of Duchess of Sussex and her grace and style have been noted by experts the world over. She looks gorgeous and she is glowing with love, happiness, excitement and ease.
She is a fulfilled and talented woman adjusting comfortably to a role on the world stage. Shut up and stop raining on your girl’s parade. HATS off to broadcaster Kate Garraway who somehow found the stamina and inclination to have sex with her husband every day for a fortnight. Frankly, I lack the will or energy to have a piece of toast with my Other Half for 14 days on the trot.