The spotlight never strays far from Meghan Markle, and her dad, Thomas Markle, ensures the intrigue continues. In his latest comments, the 80-year-old former lighting director opened up about his strained relationship with his daughter’s life choices and her first marriage.
In an interview, Meghan Markle’s dad expressed his admiration for her first husband Trevor Engelson, and recently, he expressed regret over Meghan’s divorce from him. His statement not only hinted at lingering affection for Trevor but also took an indirect swipe at Meghan’s current husband, Prince Harry.
Meghan Markle’s Dad Admires Her First Husband
Thomas Markle’s latest comments reveal a surprising sentiment: He admired Meghan’s first husband, film producer Trevor Engelson. In a candid interview, he admitted that he liked Meghan’s first husband.

GTN / “I really liked Trevor,” Meghan Markle’s dad says. “I don’t think he ever understood why she dumped him either.”
Trevor Engelson, once a key figure in Meghan’s life, rarely discusses their marriage. However, their split has been well-documented, with reports citing the strain of Meghan’s rising career as a factor.
The Rift Between Meghan Markle and Her Dad
Meghan Markle’s dad and the Duchess of Sussex have been estranged for years, a situation that escalated before her royal wedding to Prince Harry in 2018. Thomas staged paparazzi photos in the lead-up to the nuptials, an act Meghan reportedly found unforgivable.
Despite his public apologies, their relationship soured, with Meghan cutting off all communication.
Thomas has made numerous attempts to reconnect, but the damage seems irreversible. In interviews, he often shares glimpses of the happier times they once had. He still treasures old photos of Meghan, including those from her first marriage, which he describes as a “special time” in their lives.
Meghan’s Father Has Seemingly Tried to Stay Away From the Drama
In a surprising twist, Thomas Markle has reportedly decided to leave the U.S., seeking refuge from what he describes as “awful drama.” He plans to move far away with one of his sons, distancing himself from the relentless media frenzy surrounding Meghan and Prince Harry.
For a man who has lived under the microscope since Meghan’s rise to fame, this move could signify a much-needed escape. However, critics argue that Thomas often fuels the very drama he claims to detest. His interviews and public remarks about Meghan and her choices frequently spark headlines.
Meghan Markle’s ‘Career Relaunch’ on the Horizon With New Netflix Show
While her father’s comments grab attention, Meghan Markle is reportedly focused on her upcoming Netflix show, “With Love, Meghan.” The project marks a potential career relaunch for the Duchess, signaling a shift back to the spotlight she left behind after stepping down as a senior royal.

Netflix / With her new Netflix show “With Love Meghan,” the Duchess of Sussex is focused on her ‘career relaunch.’
For Meghan, this new chapter represents an opportunity to redefine her narrative. The series promises to explore themes of love and humanity, a stark contrast to the tabloid drama that often defines her public image. However, as Thomas Markle continues to air his grievances, the tension between her past and present remains an undeniable undertone in her story.
The Duchess of Sussex Has a Complex Relationship With Her Dad!
The strained relationship between Meghan Markle and her dad is far from unique. Yet, it fascinates onlookers worldwide. Their fallout reflects a mix of personal hurt, public scrutiny, and irreconcilable differences. For Thomas, the loss of his bond with Meghan is a recurring theme in his interviews.
Meghan’s decision to sever ties underscores her desire for boundaries and control over her life. Her choices may seem harsh to some, but for Meghan, they likely represent survival in the face of relentless public and familial pressure.
Meghan Markle’s Dad Is a Figure of Controversy
Thomas Markle remains a polarizing figure. To some, he is a sympathetic father grappling with the fallout of a fractured family. To others, he is an opportunist, leveraging his connection to Meghan for attention.
Regardless of the perspective, one thing is clear: his role in Meghan’s life is both significant and complicated.