Royal experts are increasingly doubtful that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will ever reconcile with their ailing fathers, arguing that years of mistrust, public fallout, and emotional damage have left family relationships beyond repair.

Royal experts are increasingly doubtful that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will ever reconcile with their ailing fathers, arguing that years of mistrust, public fallout, and emotional damage have left family relationships beyond repair.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital that Meghan’s estrangement from her father, Thomas Markle, is permanent. He described their relationship as “a tragedy for both of them,” citing years of turmoil and failed communication.

Fitzwilliams suggested that even reports of Meghan reaching out privately do little to change the reality, saying the damage has already been done.

Thomas Markle, a former Hollywood lighting director, recently underwent a left-leg amputation and has publicly expressed his wish not to die estranged from his daughter. Despite this, experts say reconciliation remains highly unlikely. Meghan has reportedly not seen her father since before her 2018 wedding to Harry, and he has never met his grandchildren.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry’s rift with his own family remains just as deep. He continues to be estranged from King Charles III, Prince William, and Kate Middleton following the Sussexes’ decision to step back as senior working royals in 2020. Although Harry briefly reunited with his father earlier this year amid Charles’ cancer diagnosis, royal experts believe the meeting was driven more by duty than any genuine desire to heal their relationship.
Royal analyst Hilary Fordwich said the emotional wounds on both sides are too severe for meaningful reconciliation, adding that trust remains a major obstacle.

From the monarchy’s perspective, she noted, preserving stability and the future of the institution outweighs personal repair. Kinsey Schofield echoed similar views, questioning whether either Meghan or Harry truly wants to rebuild family ties after years of public criticism and revelations.

Reports also suggest communication efforts between Meghan and her father have been strained. While some outlets claim she tried to contact him during his recent health crisis, others say Thomas disclosed his condition to the media instead of family members, further complicating any chance of reconnecting.

Harry, for his part, is not expected to spend Christmas with the royal family and is said to have had no meaningful contact with senior royals since their brief reunion months ago. A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has dismissed reports about their private family dynamics as “entirely speculative,” declining further comment.

As things stand, experts agree that the fractures within both families run too deep, making reconciliation unlikely despite illness and time passing.