The relationships between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and their respective fathers, King Charles III and Thomas Markle, remain strained, marked by distance and complex emotions. Recent reports suggest that while some contact has been made, significant reconciliation is unlikely in the near future.
Prince Harry and King Charles III:
Prince Harry and King Charles' relationship has been turbulent since Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and moved to California. Their subsequent interviews, Netflix series, and Harry's memoir, "Spare," further deepened the divide. Despite the tensions, King Charles appears to have left the door open for reconciliation.
In September 2025, Harry and Charles had a private meeting at Clarence House, their first in 18 months, signaling a potential thaw in their relationship. King Charles' ongoing cancer treatment has also influenced his perspective, with reports suggesting he desires a "special last Christmas" and is aware of time and legacy. Royal commentator Amanda Matta noted that Charles has always kept space in his heart for Harry, and an invitation for Christmas wouldn't be off the table if the King truly wished to be with his family.
However, other royal experts believe a Christmas reunion is improbable, citing the potential for the Sussexes' presence to overshadow the festivities and concerns about leaks of private family details. Despite not attending the traditional royal family gathering, Harry and Meghan reportedly plan to call King Charles on Christmas Day. While Prince William was reportedly surprised by the September reunion, King Charles seems to still care deeply for his son and daughter-in-law. A recent Instagram post on the royal family's official page featured a photo of Charles walking arm-in-arm with Meghan on her wedding day, a gesture seen as a sign that Charles still hopes for their return to the family fold.
Meghan Markle and Thomas Markle:
Meghan Markle's relationship with her father, Thomas Markle, has been strained since before her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018. The estrangement began when Thomas Markle staged paparazzi photos and was unable to attend the royal wedding due to health issues. Since then, the relationship has been marred by public interviews and leaked letters.
Recently, Thomas Markle, who resides in the Philippines, was hospitalized after experiencing a 14-inch blood clot in his leg. He underwent emergency surgery, resulting in the amputation of his leg below the knee. Despite his serious condition, Thomas Markle has expressed a desire to reconcile with his daughter, stating he doesn't want to "die estranged from Meghan" and wishes to meet his grandchildren.
Meghan Markle reportedly sent a letter to her father after his surgery, but a reunion remains uncertain. Some reports suggest Meghan has "no plans to see her father" and has given up hope of reconciliation. A source told that Meghan has no plans to call or visit her father and that "she knows where he is. She has the information. She's chosen not to engage directly". The Duchess of Sussex is reportedly wary of potential reunions, given her father and brother's tendency to share their side of the story with the media. Meghan will require trust and reassurance before any meeting can occur.
