THOMAS Markle had a career in television before he became known as the father of the Duchess of Sussex.

Here’s what we know about Thomas Markle, and his controversial relationship with the Royal Family.

Who is Thomas Markle?

Thomas Markle, 77, is known as the daughter of actress and Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle.

Prior to his relationship with the Royal Family, he made a name for himself as a lighting director and director of photography on a number of US TV shows.

His resume includes working as a lighting director at WTTW-TV Channel 11 and their program, Made in Chicago, which won him a Chicago/Midwest Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement.

Thomas went on to work on the TV series General Hospital and the sitcom Married… with Children.

For his work on General Hospital in 1982 and 2011, Thomas won two Daytime Emmy Awards. 

Thomas’ relationship with his Duchess daughter has been difficult for years— the pair have been estranged since her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry. 

In September 2023, Thomas renewed pleas to see his grandkids Archie, 4, and Lillibet, 2, live on Good Morning Britain. 

Speaking live from his California home, Thomas said: “I’m heartbroken. I am very upset. This is a cruel thing to do to a grandparent – to deny the right to see a grandchild.”

“In California, I can actually sue to see them but I don’t want to do that,” he added.

Thomas went on to say: “The other thing is I’ve done nothing wrong. There’s nothing that points to say I’m a bad guy.”

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“I’m a really loving father and she knows that, and there’s no excuse for treating me this way – no excuse to treat grandparents that way.”

Was Thomas Markle rushed to the hospital?

Thomas has faced a series of health issues in recent years. 

In 2018 he had heart surgery following a heart attack in the run-up to his daughter’s royal wedding, to which he was not invited. 

Then in May 2022, Thomas was rushed to the hospital after suffering from a stroke.

Is Thomas Markle married?

Thomas has been married twice, but following a divorce from his second wife in 1987, he never remarried. 

His first marriage, to Roslyn Markle, lasted from 1964 to 1975.

Thomas went on to marry Doria Ragland in 1979, before an amicable divorce.

Who are Thomas Markles’ children?

Thomas has three children and six grandchildren. 

Together with his first wife Roslyn, Thomas had two children, Samantha Markle, 58, and Thomas Markle Jr., 57.

Today, Samantha is known as a former actress and model, who lives in Florida.

Thomas Markle Jr. on the other hand has led a quieter life and is known as a window fitter who resides in Oregon.

With his second with Doria, Thomas welcomed Meghan, 42, in 1981.