Furious Thomas Markle Blasts Meghan for Dropping Their Last Name—Says She’s ‘Trying Too Hard to Be Perfect’

Meghan Markle’s decision to drop her maiden name has sparked fresh criticism from her estranged father, Thomas Markle, who claims she is distancing herself from their family history.

Thomas, 80, expressed disappointment over Meghan’s choice to go by the last name Sussex, arguing that it disrespects their family legacy. He noted that his own mother would have been heartbroken by the decision, as she took pride in the Markle name.

“She was always proud to be a Markle, and so am I,” he said, emphasizing that his daughter never had an issue with her last name until she met Prince Harry.

Meghan Defends Her Decision

Meghan, 43, confirmed her name change during her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, correcting guest Mindy Kaling when she referred to her as Meghan Markle. She explained that sharing a last name with her husband, Prince Harry, and their children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, was important to her.

She clarified that the new surname symbolizes their unity as a family.

Thomas Markle Calls Meghan ‘Inauthentic’

Despite his daughter’s explanation, Thomas remains unimpressed. The retired TV lighting director admitted he has not watched With Love, Meghan, though he has seen clips and read about it. He criticized his daughter’s onscreen persona, claiming she appears overly rehearsed and insincere.

“She plans everything she says. She’s not spontaneous,” he claimed, insisting that Meghan prioritizes a polished image over authenticity.

According to Thomas, his daughter struggles to appear genuine in her public appearances. He added that her attempt to present herself as relatable often backfires, making her seem distant.

Meghan Faces Mixed Reactions

Meghan’s Netflix series received a mixed response, with some praising its insight into her personal life while others labeled it overly curated. Thomas suggested that Meghan’s pursuit of perfection is a significant factor in the criticism she faces.

“She tries too hard to be perfect, but people see through it,” he remarked.

While Thomas has no immediate plans to watch the full series, he admitted he might do so in the future—though he doubts his opinion will change.

Netflix has already started filming the second season of With Love, Meghan, set to premiere in the fall. Despite the backlash, Meghan remains committed to shaping her public image on her terms.

Jaja Agpalo

Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Jaja’s career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Brigada. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment.