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Thomas Markle, father of Meghan Markle, speaks out in first interview since Royal Wedding

Thomas Markle says he regrets not being at the royal wedding, and that he and Prince Harry have had several phone conversations.

A royal scandal waiting to happen. Thomas Markle, the semi-estranged father of Meghan Markle, the new Duchess of Sussex, has spoken out in his first interview since the royal wedding. Thomas Markle, age 73, did not attend the royal wedding after a slew of scandalous news reports that he had sold photographs to tabloids, posing as if he was preparing for the wedding. He says these photos were clearly a "mistake" on his part, but caused him serious stress-related health issues. Thomas, instead of coming to the wedding, had to receive treatment for heart problems, but says he watched the big day in California. He said in the interview with ITV "the unfortunate thing for me now is I'm a footnote in one of the greatest moments in history rather than the dad walking her down the aisle." In his absence, Prince Charles escorted Meghan down the aisle.

In the interview with ITV he spoken freely of his conversations with Meghan and Prince Harry before the wedding, as well as his thoughts on Harry's political views. Thomas says he and Harry had several phone conversations once he and Meghan were dating and engaged. "Our conversation was I was complaining about not liking Donald Trump, he said 'give Donald Trump a chance'. I sort of disagreed with that." Kensington Palace has not responded to Thomas' comments on Harry as it is against royal protocol to comment on global or domestic political affairs.

Thomas did say that Harry asked for Meghan's hand before proposing over the phone, "and I said: 'You are a gentleman, promise me you will never raise your hand against my daughter and of course I will grant you my permission." Meghan nor Harry have confirmed or denied these reported conversations.

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