Meghan Markle's father Thomas says he's moving abroad at 80 to 'enjoy a quieter, friendlier existence'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Thomas Markle, father of the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, shared his plans to relocate across the globe in an interview with the Daily Mail published on Saturday, January 4.
The 80-year-old has been staying at a cliffside house in Rosarito, Mexico over the last 10 years with Meghan's half-brother Tom Jr. He plans to have a "fresh start" in 2025, and live out his final years "in peace."
Incidentally, Thomas' announcement came the same week that his daughter launched her new lifestyle show on Netflix, titled 'With Love, Meghan'.
Thomas Markle's reason to move abroad
According to the publication, the desire to get away from the "awful drama" that comes along with being the father of a celebrity prompted Thomas Markle's decision to shift abroad. He has suffered from two cardiac arrests in recent years, and seeks "peace" and "kinder people" at present.
When the interviewer called him "brave" for attempting a fresh start at his age, Thomas responded, "I don't know if brave is the word. I am ready for a change. I have felt stuck in a rut for some time and I am ready to meet new people and experience kindness."
Thomas is yet to determine where he will settle and is considering his options in South-East Asia.
"I traveled in that part of the world when I was a younger man. The people are so kind and welcoming, and they are respectful to older people. It is a place of culture and beauty," he said. "I don't know where I'll end up but it is time to move on and find a place where I can live among kind people and enjoy the time I have left."
He ruled out returning to his native country US, stating, "I am getting away from the politics of the States that disappoints me."
"At 80 it is time to go somewhere where the people are lovely and I can enjoy a quieter, friendlier existence," he noted. "In South-East Asia the medical care is good, you can live reasonably cheaply, the people are kind and respect older people and the food is healthy."
"Mostly I just want peace. 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," added Thomas.
Thomas Markle's relationship with Meghan Markle
According to The Mirror US, Thomas Markle has been estranged from Meghan Markle since before her wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018. She is his eldest daughter, and only child with his second wife Doria Ragland.
The rift between the two formed ahead of Meghan's royal wedding when Thomas was accused of staging photos for the paparazzi. She has not spoken with him since, and it resulted in Thomas not yet meeting his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet.
During a conversation with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, Maghan expressed feeling sorry over how her relationship with her father turned out, saying, "I grieve a lot. I've lost my father."
With Thomas deciding to move further away, the chance of them reconnecting will grow even slimmer.
