The Duchess of Sussex has made contact with her estranged father Thomas Markle through a letter, her spokesperson confirmed. The correspondence reached him in hospital, where he recently had his left leg amputated. This marks the first successful contact since their estrangement began at her 2018 wedding.
Thomas Markle has been estranged from his daughter since he was caught staging paparazzi photos in the run-up to her wedding to Prince Harry. The rift has lasted more than six years.
Media presence complicates contact
A Daily Mail reporter remained at Thomas Markle's hospital bedside, complicating the Duchess's attempts to reach her father privately. The spokesperson said in a statement: «Given that a Daily Mail reporter has remained at her father's bedside throughout, broadcasting each interaction and breaching clear ethical boundaries, it has been exceedingly difficult for the Duchess to contact her father privately, despite her efforts over the past several days.»
The spokesperson confirmed the correspondence was ultimately delivered with support from «reliable and trusted contacts». The letter is now «safely in his hands».
Previous outreach attempt
Last Friday, the Duchess's spokesperson first announced she had «reached out» to her father. However, the Mail on Sunday reported Thomas Markle was «confused» by the suggestion, stating he had not received any messages despite not changing his phone number.
Thomas Markle has expressed his desire to meet his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, as well as his son-in-law, the Duke of Sussex. He told the Mail on Sunday he does «not want to die distanced from his daughter».
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
