Thomas Markle ‘hadn’t noticed’ racism aimed at Meghan and says private jet criticism was ‘justified’

‘I really miss my daughter,’ says 75-year-old

Thomas Markle has said he “hadn’t noticed” any racism towards his daughter, the Duchess of Sussex, and described criticisms against her and the Duke of Sussex as “justified”.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain, the former lighting director explained that “there has never been a problem in terms of race with Meghan”, adding: ”I haven’t noticed it in England at all.”

“England is far more liberal than the US in terms of being racist, I don’t think she’s being bullied at all,” Mr Markle added in reference to negative commentary surrounding Meghan in the UK press.

In 2016 Prince Harry issued a statement calling out "a wave of abuse and harassment" against Meghan.

"Some of this has been very public - the smear on the front page of a national newspaper; the racial undertones of comment pieces; and the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls and web article comments."

Mr Markle was also asked to address the backlash surrounding the couple’s use of private jets in light of their staunch views on climate change.

“I think the criticism is justified,” he replied. “If you’re preaching to do that you should also be responsible for what you’re preaching, so yeah.”

Mr Markle went on to say that he misses his daughter and longs for a reconciliation.

“I’d say I love you and let’s sit down and work this out,” he said. “She was the closest thing to me for years and years and years, until she went off to college and even then.”

When asked what he would say to Prince Harry, Mr Markle added: “Man up and fly down to see me. And we’ll talk.”

His comments come after it was revealed he would be willing to testify against his daughter as part of her legal action against three newspapers.

Meghan is seeking damages from Associated Newspapers, owner of the Mail on Sunday and MailOnline,​ over an article that published parts of a handwritten letter she had sent to her father.

“I’ll see Meghan in court,” Mr Markle said to The Sun.

“I wish it hadn’t come to this, but I will certainly testify against the things that have been said about me.

“When me and Meghan end up in a courtroom together, it will be quite stunning for everybody.”

Mr Markle’s comments come after Meghan and Harry announced their decision to step down from the royal family and pursue a life in Canada, where they will work to become financially independent.

Speaking about the move in a documentary last week, Mr Markle described it as “disappointing”.

“When they got married they took on an obligation and that obligation is to be part of the royals and to represent the royals,” he said.

“This is one of the greatest long-living institutions ever. They’re destroying it and they’re making it shabby. It’s kind of embarrassing to me.”