Meghan bows to King Charles but snubs ailing father Thomas: Palace Yes, Dad No

Meghan Markle’s relationship with her father, Thomas Markle, became strained after she began dating Prince Harry.

The rift deepened before her 2018 wedding to Harry, when her father was unable to attend. In his absence, King Charles III walked her down the aisle.

Her relationship with senior royals also grew complicated after she joined the royal household. Just two years later, the couple stepped down as senior royals and relocated to the US.

From there, they spoke out about the Firm in interviews, and with the release of Harry’s memoir "Spare", choosing a new path on their own terms.

Harry and Meghan have now sparked widespread debate with their reunion with King Charles and Queen Camilla — the same royals they publicly criticised in the past.

Their arrival in the UK for an extended stay has also raised questions about the motive behind the move. Many are particularly shocked by Meghan’s decision to return to royal circles after her past reservations, claims and allegations against some members of the family.

She previously alleged that during her time at the Palace, she was pushed to take drastic steps. Now, she has returned to the country and the people she once left amid those complaints.

Palace Yes, Father No

But her continued distance from her estranged father, Thomas Markle, who recently faced serious health issues and underwent surgery, has sparked another wave of discussion.

Meghan did not respond to Thomas’s heartfelt plea to see his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet. She also reportedly did not visit the hospital to check on his health.

This unexpected move has fueled speculation that the couple’s return to the UK is calculated and pre-planned, with some suggesting there is a motive behind it beyond reconciliation or strengthening ties with the monarchy.

"If the aim was truly to seek sympathy or make amends with the royals, Meghan could have softened hearts by responding positively to Thomas Markle and meeting him," one source claimed.

A separate source claimed, "Meghan and Harry now recognise that rebuilding a relationship with the royals would make life enormously easier for everyone."

But Meghan is reportedly still not ready to bow her head and accept the emotional plea of her estranged father, as her return could cause new trouble for the Sussexes.

There are also reports that the Duchess is refusing to bow to Catherine, Princess of Wales, in an attempt to end their bitter royal rift.