Thomas Markle fears he will never get a chance to meet his grandchildren as Archie, Lilibet and Meghan return to UK

By CAROLINE GRAHAM, US EDITOR THE MAIL ON SUNDAY Published: 00:42, 23 August 2026 | Updated: 02:23, 23 August 2026 The Duchess of Sussex's estranged father says he feels 'hurt and upset' that she and Harry are returning to the UK without introducing him to his grandchildren – and fears he will now never meet them. Thomas Markle, 82, learnt that Meghan and her family were returning to Britain when he watched the news. The retired movie and television lighting director is recovering in a US rehabilitation centre after having his left leg amputated below the knee.  He has never met Harry or his grandchildren, Archie, seven, and five-year-old Lilibet. Mr Markle told The Mail on Sunday: 'I saw on CNN that they were returning to England. I found out about it at the same time as the rest of the world. 'I'm hurt and upset that she doesn't give a damn about me, even though I'm in hospital.' He added: 'Meghan used to love me, she was always a daddy's girl, and now it's like I don't exist. 'I have never met my grandchildren, and now they are leaving America. 'One day those kids will ask about their 'other' grandfather – the one who isn't King – the one that Meghan and Harry are apparently ashamed of. Thomas Markle, 82, expressed deep hurt after learning that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex (pictured in 2011) are returning to live in the UK Once the family moves back to the UK, it is thought that their children will be day pupils rather than boarders. Pictured is a post from Meghan's Instagram page on December 25  'I hope they know how much I wanted to meet them.' Mr Markle underwent the amputation in December after developing a potentially fatal blood clot while living in the Philippines. He underwent surgery before returning to the US earlier this year. Mr Markle said: 'While they were in the US, I always hoped they might come and see me. Now they are leaving, that hope has gone.' His relationship with Meghan deteriorated after he posed for paparazzi photos in the run-up to her 2018 wedding. She has not spoken to him since then. But Mr Markle insisted: 'I will never stop loving my daughter but I will never understand why she turned her back on me.' Tom's eldest daughter Samantha, Meghan's half-sister, said: 'I'm really proud of dad's progress. Every day is a blessing.'