Thomas Markle is no stranger to controversy: the father of three has criticized the media, he has criticized the royal family (including some choice words for Queen Elizabeth II) and he has criticized his daughter on a near-constant basis. But in an interview with TMZ on Tuesday, Markle took aim at a new target: made-for-TV movies. Apparently, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’ father is not happy with the Lifetime movie, Harry and Meghan: Becoming Royal.
Correction: He is not happy with how Lifetime portrayed his relationship with Meghan.
Markle told TMZ that he’s “incredibly disappointed” in Lifetime and feels “personally attacked by the network.” He also insists that, contrary to the film’s portrayal, “he never bailed on the Royal wedding.” He was simply unable to attend due to heart surgery.
In May 2018, Meghan released a statement via Kensington Palace confirming her father would not make the wedding a mere three days before her wedding to Prince Harry. “Sadly, my father will not be attending our wedding,” she wrote. Adding: “I have always cared for my father and hope he can be given the space he needs to focus on his health. I would like to thank everyone who has offered generous messages of support.” Markle suffered a heart attack and needed to undergo a procedure to clear a blockage and repair damage shortly thereafter. A stent was also put in place.
Per TMZ, Markle went on to say that the movie is nothing more than “dumb fiction,” and (for once) we agree with him. The flick is a scripted movie, not a documentary, i.e. Harry and Meghan: Becoming Royal is only based on real-life events. However, what was dramatized and fictionalized remains unclear, as there are two sides to every story and a strict protocol has kept the royal family from speaking out on the matter.
In a departure from his modus operandi, Markle has been remarkably positive about Meghan, his son-in-law and his famous extended family as of late. Following the birth of baby Archie, he released a statement wishing his daughter and grandson the best and even through in a casual, “God save the Queen.” This is a full 180 degrees from last year, when he told tabloids he was floored by the duchess’ “sense of superiority” and that she was hiding terror behind a “pained smile.”
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