Thomas Markle, father of Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, has announced plans to relocate to Southeast Asia, seeking refuge from the self-created “drama” that has plagued his life. In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, Markle stated his intention to leave his Rosarito, Mexico home for a “fresh start,” citing a desire to “meet new people and experience kindness.” He’s eager for a change of pace and environment, having felt “stuck in a rut for some time.” While he hasn’t finalized a specific location, he plans to settle somewhere in Southeast Asia, a region he recalls fondly from his youth, describing it as a place of “culture and beauty” with “kind and welcoming” people. His primary goal, he explains, is to find peace and enjoy his remaining years.
Markle’s strained relationship with his daughter is well-documented. While he previously publicly pleaded for a reconciliation and access to his grandchildren, he now seems resigned to the continued estrangement. This move appears to be a recognition of that reality, a conscious decision to distance himself from the conflict. He expressed a longing for peace, stating, “At 80, none of us know how long we have left. I want whatever time I have to be peaceful with none of the awful drama of recent years.” It’s noteworthy that neither Meghan nor Prince Harry have ever visited him in Rosarito, a fact that underscores the depth of their fractured relationship.
The rift between Markle and his daughter deepened following a 2022 stroke, an event that, evidently, did not mend the family’s fractured ties. Markle’s history of criticizing Meghan publicly, often in tandem with his daughter Samantha Markle, has significantly contributed to the estrangement. These criticisms, frequently shared in numerous media interviews, have painted a picture of a family torn apart, with Markle accusing Meghan of destroying her family. Given this history, it’s unlikely Meghan will be particularly saddened by her father’s impending move to Southeast Asia.