Meghan Markle’s estranged dad Thomas, 75, tells of his devastation at his daughter and Harry’s Royal exit
MEGHAN Markle's estranged father Thomas Markle has spoken of his disappointment in hearing his daughter and Prince Harry plan to "step back" from their royal duties.
The couple made the shock announcement on Wednesday, where they stated they wish to no move way from being "senior" members of the Royal Family and to become financially independent.
A shocked Thomas, 75, speaking to just hours after the announcement, said: "I'll just simply say I'm disappointed."
Markle – who has not had contact with his daughter since before her 2018 wedding – did not elaborate further on the reasons behind his disappointment.
Harry and Meghan stunned royal enthusiasts on Wednesday afternoon, when they announced they would be spending their time between the United Kingdom and Meghan's native North America.
Going forward, Canada is expected to become the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's second home.
The couple said in a joint statement on : "We have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution.
"We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen."
Shortly after the announcement, Queen Elizabeth II and Buckingham palace released a statement to say that discussions with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were at an "early stage."
The : "We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through.”
SHOCK ANNOUNCEMENT
The bombshell announcement comes following a difficult year for Harry and Meghan.
Appearing in a 2019 ITV documentary, the couple discussed how life in the public eye had taken a toll on them.
Harry explained that he felt Meghan had become a "victim" of the tabloid press, comparing the treatment she has received to that of the way his mother, Prince Diana, was treated.
Over the holiday season, the couple opted to miss the queen's traditional Christmas gathering – instead spend time in Canada and visiting Meghan's mother in California.
They posted a Christmas card with an unseen picture of growing Archie online while on their break.
Canada has always held a special place for the pair - it was where they secretly dated for five months before revealing their relationship.
The BBC reported that no other Royal Family members were told before Wednesday announcement.
LASTED IN WORLD NEWS
It comes after The Sun revealed they were due to discuss plans to move abroad, and, on Wednesday, Meghan visited The National's Dorfman Theatre in London.
The couple had reportedly told close friends they want to spend some of the next two months working out of Canada after a six-week trial holiday over Christmas and New Year was deemed highly successful.
Friends of the couple in Canada and the US are supportive of the move, which they say comes after the couple have been sidelined by the monarchy.
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