Meghan Markle 'set alarm bells ringing' from start as Palace 'knew what was to come'

The late Queen Elizabeth II had realised the significance of Meghan Markle's estrangement from her father in the lead up to Prince Harry and Meghan's wedding in 2018, it is claimed.

Meghan's dad famously fell out with his daughter following his paparazzi scandal and absence from her wedding in 2018. The duo have not had contact over the last six years and Thomas has not even seen his grandchildren, Prince Archie, five, or Princess Lilibet, three, or even met Prince Harry.

A source has told the Daily Mail's Diary Editor Richard Eden that the late Queen understood the significance of Meghan's estrangement from her family: "Meghan's public disagreements with her father set alarm bells ringing at the time. Her Majesty realised the potential damage they could do to the Royal Family in general."

They added: "Looking back, the Queen might have had an inkling of what was to come."

Richard Eden writes in his column: "Queen Elizabeth was so alarmed by Meghan's estrangement from her father that the late monarch suggested Meghan write to him."

In her Netflix docu-series, Harry & Meghan, the duchess confirmed she had sought the Queen's advice about her father. She said: "I reached out to Her Majesty and was, like, 'This is what's going on. What do you want me to do? I want...whatever advice you have.' Ultimately, it was suggested by the Queen and the Prince of Wales [now King Charles] that I write my dad a letter."

Thomas Markle, who celebrates his 80th birthday today, has since commented on his feud with his daughter and claimed he "doesn't want pity".

Speaking to the Daily Mail in June, Thomas described how he has "had a good life and I am proud of what I've accomplished", adding that "everything has been overshadowed by what has happened in the last six years."

Speaking to the Daily Mail, he also said: "I’ve never been one for birthdays, but I know the one person I most want to hear from, Meghan, won’t be in touch. I would love to meet my grandchildren, but I would be happy with a photograph at this stage."

Following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepping down as senior working royals in 2020, Meghan and Harry have also become estranged from the wider Royal Family.