A milestone that is tinted with a range of emotions is being celebrated by Thomas Markle as he celebrates his 80th birthday. According to reports, the retired lighting director has not communicated with his youngest daughter, Meghan Markle, since the year 2018, despite the fact that he has made several attempts to obtain her contact information.

The fact that he posed for photographs taken by photographers prior to her wedding to Prince Harry caused their relationship to become strained. Furthermore, Thomas experienced two heart attacks in the moments before the ceremony, which prevented him from accompanying his daughter down the aisle.

Since then, Meghan and Prince Harry have not connected with Thomas, and he has never had the chance to meet his son-in-law, Prince Archie, or his granddaughter, Princess Lilibet.

“I’ve had a good life and I am proud of what I’ve accomplished, but everything has been overshadowed by what has happened in the last six years. 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,” Thomas previously told Daily Mail.

Thomas has a cliffside home in Rosarito, Mexico, 250 miles from the Sussexes’ 16-bathroom mansion in Montecito. His living room is proudly brimming with memories of Meghan, including her graduation photos from the Little Red Schoolhouse kindergarten and Immaculate Heart High School.

There is also a photograph of the father and daughter attending the Emmy Awards when Meghan was around 10 years old. The award-winning lighting director grew up in Pennsylvania with his parents and two siblings.

His mother Doris worked behind the sweet counter at a local “five-and-dime” store, while his father Gordon was a printer at Olmsted Air Force Base outside the family’s hometown of Newport. Thomas’ career began in high school, working on theatre productions before landing a position at WTTW public television in Chicago.

He spent a decade on the live music program “Soundstage,” rubbing shoulders with icons like Aretha Franklin and Billy Joel. Following the conclusion of his marriage to his first wife Rosalyn, who was the mother of his two eldest children, Samantha and Tom Jr., Thomas made the decision to pursue job options in the entertainment industry.

“General Hospital” and “Married With Children” were two of the most well-known television shows that he worked as the lighting director for. When Meghan’s mom and Thomas first started dating, Doria was working as a secretary at the same studio where they were originally working together. When Meghan was only two years old, however, they split.

Meghan moved in with her father on a full-time basis when she was 11 years old. This change occurred at the same time that Doria began an import and export business that needed extensive travel. Meghan would regularly accompany Thomas on set after school hours during the day.

Thomas would get up at five in the morning every day to assist his daughter in straightening her hair before she went to school. The two of them had a strong connection. As a result of coming into contact with racism at a young age, Meghan’s naturally curly hair became something of an obsession for the former “Suits” actress.

Daily Mail reported it is quite improbable that Meghan will phone Thomas Markle, but it is also highly probable that he will be enjoying his birthday with his son, Tom Jr. Additionally, he might have a conversation with his eldest daughter, Samantha, over the phone because she is unable to come from her home in Florida to participate in the celebration due to the multiple sclerosis she suffers from.

Netizen then lambasted Meghan for not reaching out to her father on his 60th birthday. “Thomas Markle played a significant role in Meghan’s life, providing support and care throughout her childhood and formative years. From financing her education to being a source of stability, his contributions gave her the opportunities in life many of us can only dream of. Remembering these positive aspects can help Meghan see beyond their recent conflicts and recognise the enduring bond they share,” an X user wrote.

“Everyone makes mistakes, and holding onto past grievances can be a heavy burden. Forgiveness is not just a gift to Thomas, but also to Meghan herself, offering a sense of peace and closure. Moreover, a public gesture of reconciliation could soften the public’s perception of her, potentially showcasing her as a compassionate and understanding individual willing to mend familial ties,” it added.

“For her children, Archie and Lilibet, reconnecting with their grandfather could enrich their lives with more family connections and stories about their heritage. Thomas’s age and health underline the urgency of this moment; time may be running out to create these memories,” the netizen went on.

“Why would she, she has taken everything useful that he had, that’s why she desperately is trying to hang on to the RF as that’s where the money is,” a critic of Meghan responded to the post. “She is just so gross. How DARE her lecture everyone about “kindness, family and friends”, yet knows nothing about it,” another X user claimed.

“She won’t do that she’s terrified he’ll spill the beans or in other words, the truth on her life before she trapped a prince,” a fourth netizen said. “It would be wonderful for him if she rang him but unfortunately I can’t see that happening. I feel he knows too much about her and she’s frightened of Harry finding out or worse still the RF finding out. I also think it concerns PA,” another X user stated.

“Trouble is she has no humanity so she won’t reach out to him,” an X user retorted. “She will never do the right thing regarding her father. Sad, because 80 is old, who knows how much time he has left,” another penned. “We know Meghan won’t reach out to him. Whatever has gone on between them whether it’s her fault or his he is very ill and she should be the better person and see him,” Julia James commented.

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