Why Meghan Markle’s father is leaving the US “for a new life”

Thomas explained that he is not running away and his decision was not based on his broken relationship with Meghan and Harry, but that he is looking for “peace” and “kinder people”.

Thomas Markle, who has not seen his son-in-law Prince Harry since marrying Meghan Markle, also discussed the possibility of meeting the Duke of Sussex or his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibeth.

Thomas has revealed he plans to make drastic changes to his life after years of scrutiny and controversy surrounding his relationship with his daughter.

In the chat with Daily MailThomas indicated that he was leaving America behind and looking for a “fresh start” overseas to afford himself some decency in his later years.

“I am ready for change. For a while, I felt like I was stuck in a rut, and I’m ready to meet new people and experience kindness,” he told the news outlet.

Meghan and Thomas were once close, but their relationship took a serious hit after he staged a paparazzi photo ahead of her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018, which he missed after suffering two heart attacks the day before the event.

Recalling past moments with the former “Suits” actress, the 80-year-old showed the news agency Megan’s school report card, which described her as a child who “demonstrates constant effort and actively participates in class discussions.”

He apparently kept a few sentimental items, such as family albums, that remind him of Megan, whom he calls “Maggie.”

Thomas decided to flee the country not because of Meghan and Harry, but because of his sanity. He said he plans to move to Southeast Asia.

“I don’t know where I’ll end up, but it’s time to move on and find a place where I can live among good people and enjoy the time I have left,” he said.

“I traveled around this part of the world when I was a young man. The people are so kind, welcoming and respectful of the elderly,” Thomas said of his potential destination. “It is a place of culture and beauty.”

The Emmy-winning Hollywood lighting director has not renewed his lease on his clifftop home in Rosarito, Mexico, according to a news outlet.

“At 80, it’s time to go somewhere where there are good people and I can enjoy a quiet and friendly life,” he shared. “Southeast Asia has good health care, you can live quite cheaply, the people are kind and respect the elderly, and the food is healthy.”

“Mainly, I just want peace. At 80, none of us know how much we have left. I want whatever time I have to be peaceful, without the terrible drama of recent years,” he added.

Although Thomas’ beach house is about a 250-mile drive from Harry and Meghan’s Montecito mansion, he has yet to meet the Duke of Sussex and his grandchildren Archie and Lilibeth.

According to Daily Mailhe accepted that his chances of meeting them now were slimmer, but he was still hopeful.

Reminiscing about the “good times” they once had, Thomas said Megan was a “good girl” and while he “didn’t like some of the things” she did, he “will always love her”.

“My door is always open for her. I love her and that will never change. I love all my children,” he shared. “Meghan once told me she wanted me to stop talking to Tom Jr. and Samantha, my children from my first marriage. But which parent can agree to that?”

In his chat with the news outlet, Thomas expressed his gratitude to King Charles III for walking Meghan down the aisle during her wedding to Harry at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

Thomas missed Meghan’s wedding because he had a heart problem that led to two heart stents just days before the event.

He had to watch the event from a rented Airbnb and showed the news outlet a medical certificate that prohibited him from traveling.

“I’m a grandfather and he’s the King of England, but he’s also a grandfather who would love to see his grandchildren,” Thomas said of Charles, adding that he remains “incredibly grateful” to the king.

“I’m not running away. I go in search of a more positive life. Every day I see something about Megan. It was a new TV show this week,” he said. “I don’t wish her harm. I dream that one day I can bring my whole family together as a ‘normal’ family.’

As Meghan’s father prepares to leave the US, the Duchess is preparing to launch her own Netflix cooking show after returning to social media.

The mother-of-two shocked royal fans when she posted a beach video on Instagram on January 1 that seemed to ring in the new year.

Shortly after, Meghan released the official trailer for her Netflix series, Love, Meghan. In the trailer, the royal was involved in various activities, including gardening, cooking and beekeeping.

Her video also featured some famous faces like actress Mindy Kaling and former Suits co-star Abigail Spencer.