Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have often been slammed as hypocrites, particularly when it comes to demanding privacy while simultaneously putting themselves all over social media and taking on multiple projects and conducting interviews, among other things.
And the former Suits actress has once again come under fire – this time for presenting herself as family-oriented on her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan while still remaining estranged from her own father, Thomas Markle. The criticism has understandably intensified following reports that he underwent a life-saving leg amputation last month after a blood clot formed.
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Meghan Markle Reportedly Has No Intention To See Her Father Again
According to reports, Meghan has reached out to her 81-year-old father by letter, but still has no intention of seeing him face-to-face.
"Meghan may have sent Thomas a letter, but the word is she has no desire for a face-to-face family reunion with Thomas," an insider told Ok!
"And the fact she has still not visited him personally or let him meet his son-in-law Harry or his two grandchildren has led to her being branded one of the world's biggest hypocrites, as she has made millions from Netflix punting programs showing her supposedly picture-perfect life in California. But a daughter this estranged from her father, especially when he is so ill, is a bad picture," they went on.
Meghan Markle Slammed For 'Lacking Empathy'
Another insider weighed in, saying Meghan's emphasis on family – which she has repeatedly pushed during her Netflix series, and especially during its recent holiday special – while refusing to see her own father simply does not add up, and this is actively damaging her public image!
"She's being accused of lacking empathy and called a hypocrite for preaching kindness while keeping her distance from her father," the insider said, adding: "It's a major blow to her public image – the timing couldn't be worse, given her Christmas project celebrates family and togetherness."
Royal commentators have also commented, with Ok! quoting a California-based public relations consultant who said: "She's obviously conflicted. She knows her father's health is fragile, and there's public pressure to reach out, but she's also terrified that reconnecting could spark the same media circus that fractured their relationship years ago."
The Duchess of Sussex is reportedly well aware that the perceived hypocrisy is hurting her image, and is apparently seeking advice on how to handle the fallout. "Meghan is now in crisis talks with her team about how to sort her public image as a family woman on Netflix and the reality that she is a daughter in a broken family," the source continued. "She knows the perception is she is a massive hypocrite, and that her brand needs sorting out now."
Meghan Is Reportedly Cautious And Wants To Reconnect Quietly And Privately
Those close to the mom-of-two say she feels trapped between compassion and caution. While she reportedly does want to reconnect with her father, she remains deeply concerned about media intrusion – the very issue that contributed to their estrangement ahead of her royal wedding in 2018.
"Meghan's incredibly distressed," one insider reportedly said. "She realizes her father may not have long and doesn't want to live with regret, but she also knows that any step she takes will be dissected and turned into a headline."
They went on to say that the As Ever founder has even considered coordinating with diplomatic officials to arrange a private visit, but still remains hesitant. "If she flies out there, it becomes an international circus. If she does nothing, she's painted as uncaring. All she wants is for her dad to recover enough so they can reconnect quietly, without the world watching."
Internet Reactions
As expected, there has been a lot of conversation around this topic online. While many people agree with the accusations of hypocrisy, others argue that Thomas Markle is not entirely innocent.
"I am not a Meghan fan but I do see two sides of the coin here. If the man was out to make money at Meghan's wedding on photos he deserves to be ignored. But at the same time this is her dad and she will have to live with the feelings of her decision," wrote one MSN reader.
"How she has treated her father is cruel as he did raise and provide for her," wrote a second, as a third said: "What kind of daughter would tell all the lies she has told? That man raised her and put her through college. She has tried to disgrace the royal family, totally brainwashed Harry, and plays the victim constantly!"
"Refusing to visit her ailing father? Bold move for someone who brands herself as a ‘kind, decent person.' If that image matters so much, maybe try… I don't know… being one?" thought a fourth, as a fifth noted: "Meghan is terrified that reconnecting with her dying father could spark the media circus that fractured their relationship years ago? SHE fractured the relationship with her narcissism and need to be adored."
"I can't imagine treating my own father the way she treated hers. He got a little caught up in the excitement and paparazzi moments of her upcoming wedding – why did she use that as an excuse to cut him off. I don't think he deserved that and it's very sad," thought a sixth.
A seventh slammed: "She is a fraud. She made sure she lured Harry away from family to get her way. She couldn't adjust to royal life as there are things you can & cannot do. She doesn't like to be told what to do. It's Meghan's way or no way. She is very self-centered."
"Meghan has and will always be a liar and someone that does not tell the whole truth to any situation. Why doesn't she want to see her father, have Harry meet him, or have his grandchildren meet him? He raised MM and spent quite a lot of money doing it. She is the phony– not him. She has always been a hypocrite – what's new?" asked an eighth, as a ninth chimed in: "Yes she is a hypocrite this is a known fact, and a narcissistic woman. Her dad is very ill and she finds all kind of excuses not to visit him. Shame on her."
Defense Of Meghan Markle's Decision To Remain Estranged
A handful of commenters defended Meghan, with one person saying: "As much as she is not a fave of mine, it is her decision to make."
A second added: "Oh honestly. Preaching kindness cannot happen unless you are first kind to yourself. She has learned her personal limits and I salute her for not being bullied by haters and the press that only salivates for more salacious headlines."
A third chimed in: "Losing his leg is not an excuse to allow a bad father back into her life! Mine has all his limbs and I'm no contact due to him, not me! Leave her alone!"
