Dad: I cringe at stupid TV stunt
MEGHAN Markle’s dad squirmed as he watched his daughter’s TV interview with US chat show host Ellen Degeneres.
“The whole thing was kind of embarrassing,” declared Thomas Markle Snr from his home in Mexico. And the retired TV lighting director, 77, told how he felt “wounded” and “disappointed” as the Duchess of Sussex talked about her struggles for success – feeling his role in her rise to stardom was airbrushed.
He said he was
“hurt” that the interview was his only chance to be updated about his grandchildren, Archie, two, and Lilibet, five months.
He said of the TV show: “It was certainly embarrassing for the Royal Family. I suspect the whole of it embarrassed everyone in the UK too. She’s putting herself out there as a duchess, but I’ve never seen a duchess behave this way, doing stupid stunts.”
He said he could barely watch as Meghan, 40, wore a hidden earpiece while Ellen ordered her to lark about in front of unsuspecting members of the public, including pretending to be a cat. Thomas said: “It’s no way to behave. It’s not only embarrassing for the royals, it’s embarrassing for her.”
During the interview, Meghan told how she had been a struggling actress in her early 20s, claiming she drove a faulty car, which meant she had to climb through the boot to get in and out.
But there was no mention of her dad, who says he supported her both financially and professionally, helping to pull strings to get her a “crucial” union card. “I’m disappointed she didn’t mention me,” he said, adding: “The Ford Explorer was a good running vehicle. The doors worked fine.”
Thomas said he wasn’t surprised by Meghan revealing how Harry has taken to the US, but he said his son-in-law should “get a job delivering newspapers” as “all he seems to do is ride his bike”.
Meghan spoke about how she dressed up Archie and Lillibet for Halloween – a bittersweet anecdote for Thomas who has not been allowed to meet them.
He also told how he “feels sorry” for the Queen because
Harry and Meghan are reportedly not coming to the UK at Christmas.
He said: “Harry should go. This might be the last chance he gets to see his grandmother.”
Rachael’s verdict: P27