Meghan Markle has been estranged from her father Thomas Markle for seven years, with the duchess' dad still reportedly "distraught" about his relationship with the California-based royal. Although they once shared an idyllic father-and-daughter relationship, it is believed problems started to arise when Mr Markle staged paparazzi pictures before Meghan, 43, wed Prince Harry, 40, in 2018.

It is believed Mr Markle, who ended up unable to attend the couple's wedding in Windsor as a result of health issues, allowed the staged photographs as he thought it would make him look good and help Meghan after he had been repeatedly followed by photographers. However, the duchess and Prince Harry did not see it this way, and the relationship unravelled. Meghan then sent texts and a letter to her father to try and patch things up, with both these attempts failing to make a difference, especially when parts of the letter ended up being leaked to the press by Mr Markle, who wanted to challenge what he believed were unfair media reports on him.

It is believed Mr Markle, 80, and Meghan, have not spoken since 2018, with him having not even met his two grandchildren Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, three.

Samara Gill, a presenter and journalist, told The Sun's Royal Exclusive show this week that she had recently spoken to Meghan's dad, who remains "distraught" about one thing.

Ms Gill said: "I spoke to him a couple days ago actually and he's just absolutely still distraught about the fact that he still doesn't have contact with Meghan."

Mr Markle, who recently moved to the Philippines, has previously spoken himself about how much he misses his daughter.

Speaking earlier this year, Mr Markle told the Mail on Sunday: "I wish her (Meghan) no ill-will.

"My dream is that one day I could bring my whole family together, like a normal family.

"There were good times. She was a good girl. I don't like some of the things my daughter has done but I will always love her.

"My door is always open to her. I love her and that will never change. I love all my children."