Thomas Markle Reportedly Lied to and Hung Up on Prince Harry During a Call About Those Staged Pictures
Thomas Markle, Meghan Markle's estranged father, came under scrutiny this spring when it was revealed that he had worked with paparazzi to stage photos of him appearing to prepare for the royal wedding. He later skipped the wedding for health reasons and now details the explosive call he had with Prince Harry when the scandal broke.

Today in secondhand embarrassment, Meghan Markle's estranged father, Thomas Markle (opens in new tab), has done another interview—which he claims will be his last.
In a new interview with the Daily Mail (opens in new tab), Thomas, 74, has decided to address those staged paparazzi photos (opens in new tab) and the resulting fallout his faced with the royal family. In case you need a refresher, back in April, ahead of the royal wedding (opens in new tab), paparazzi photos leaked that appeared to show Thomas preparing for his daughter's wedding (opens in new tab). In one shot, he studies up on Britain in a coffee shop, in another he appears to be fitted for a suit for the big day. The photos turned out to be staged and Thomas ended up skipping the royal wedding, officially for health reasons.
Up top, Thomas explains that Prince Harry (opens in new tab), whom he hasn't met, but has had a series of "warm and chatty" phone conversations with, warned him early on about talking to the press.
"Harry told me that I should never go to the press," Thomas said. "That it would end in tears. He said, 'They will eat you alive.' He was right."
Here's where things get typical Thomas Markle levels of ugh though. Thomas says that when he was in the hospital for the heart attack that kept him from Meghan's wedding (which he insists was real, in spite of claims to the contrary (opens in new tab)), Harry called him, very upset about the photo scandal.
During the call, Thomas says Harry asked him about the photos, specifically the one that appeared to show him being fitted for a suit. Thomas says he lied to Harry and said he was being "measured for a hoodie" — you know, like you do for all your...formal hoodies?
Harry did not seem to buy the hoodie excuse, presumably because he's a human who knows what a hoodie is, and told Thomas, "If you had listened to me this would never have happened."
At this point, Thomas says he lashed out and then hung up on his now son-in-law.
"Maybe it would be better for you guys if I was dead… then you could pretend to be sad," Thomas says he said to Harry. "Then I hung up."
In retrospect, at least, Thomas says he realizes that Harry was "absolutely right" and that collaborating with the paparazzi on staged photos was not a great idea.
"I’m not mad at Harry. I’m not mad at Meghan," he said. "I love them. I wish them well. But as for the rest of it, f*ck it. I’m done."
Promise?
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Hairstylists Agree: These Are the Biggest Hair Trends for 2023
It’s the year of sleek, statement-making styles and baby bangs.
By Samantha Holender
-
Rita Ora Breaks Down the Beauty Symbolism in “You Only Love Me”
The singer talks to Marie Claire about her favorite Iconic London products, the hidden meaning behind her bridal beauty glam, and why Sophia Loren was the inspiration for her “playful” makeup.
By Samantha Holender
-
The Most Eagerly Anticipated Action Movies of 2023
It's going to be an exciting spring for action movie fans.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
King Charles Will Not Hold "Peace Talks" With Harry and Meghan Before the Coronation, Royal Expert Claims
Oh.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Diana's Butler Responds to Prince Harry Referring to Him as "The Butler" in 'Spare'
Paul Burrell says he's confused and hurt.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Eugenie's New Baby Will Allow the Royal Family to "Put Behind Them a Year of Sorrow and Conflict," Astrologer Says
All good things!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry "Should Have Been Prince William's Wingman," Has Become His "Hitman" Instead, Royal Expert Says
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
There's No Chance of Reconciliation Between Prince Harry and His Family "In the Short Term," Royal Expert Claims
Urgh.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Is Likely to Feel "Overwhelmed" by Her Responsibilities This Year, Astrologer Says
...relatable.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Will "Be Able to Build Bridges" With Certain Members of the Royal Family in 2023, Astrologer Claims
We shall see.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Just Revealed Her Workout Routine Involves Trampolining With Her Kids
I love this.
By Iris Goldsztajn