Families are messy. When you throw in cameras, a royal title, and a multi-million dollar Netflix deal, "messy" doesn't even begin to cover it. The ongoing saga between the Duchess of Sussex and her father, Thomas Markle, just took another sharp turn with the release of her latest project.
Thomas Markle isn't holding back. Honestly, has he ever? After the debut of With Love, Meghan—the Duchess's new lifestyle series—the 80-year-old former lighting director went straight to the tabloids. He called the show "inauthentic." He claimed she was "faking it" for the cameras. He even took a swipe at her using edible flowers in recipes, calling it "silly."
But the real kicker? Meghan Markle response father criticism Netflix isn't a loud, angry statement. It’s a masterclass in the "silent clapback." Instead of a legal notice or a tearful interview, she’s using the very platform he’s criticizing to show she’s moved on.
The "Inauthentic" Label: Why Thomas Is Talking Now
Thomas Markle told the Daily Mail that he knows his daughter's "looks and expressions." He claims he can see when she tenses up because she’s trying too hard to be perfect.
It’s a heavy accusation. To a father, a daughter is a child he raised. To the world, she’s a global icon. This disconnect is where all the friction lives. Thomas specifically criticized her for distancing herself from the "Markle" name, especially after a scene where she corrected friend Mindy Kaling, reminding her she is now "Sussex."
"My mother was proud to be a Markle. So am I," Thomas said. "Meghan never had a problem with the Markle name until she met Prince Harry."
This isn't just about a name. It’s about a man who feels left behind. He’s watching her cook organic jam and arrange expensive fruit platters from his home in the Philippines (where he relocated earlier in 2025), and he’s clearly frustrated. He even called her "out of touch" with normal people who can't afford a $90 fruit bowl.
How Meghan Subtly Hit Back
So, what was the Meghan Markle response father criticism Netflix fans were waiting for?
She went to Instagram. But she didn't mention him. Not once.
Shortly after his interview went viral, Meghan shared a series of clips on the With Love, Meghan social media pages. She highlighted fans—real people—recreating her recipes and using her tips. Her caption was simple: "Love seeing how inspired you are... Keep up the beautiful work!"
It was a total "business as usual" move. By ignoring the noise and focusing on the "joy" (a word she uses a lot lately), she basically told the world that his opinion doesn't carry weight in her new life.
✨ Don't miss: The Leighton Meester House Fire: What Really Happened to the Star's L.A. Home
The History of the Rift
You can't understand this latest blow-up without looking at the 2022 docuseries, Harry & Meghan. That’s where the bridge was truly burned.
- The Paparazzi Photos: Meghan revealed the moment she realized her father had staged photos before her 2018 wedding.
- The Missed Calls: She and Harry claimed they called him 20 times when they heard he’d had a heart attack, but he never answered.
- The Text Message Mystery: Meghan pointed out that a text she received from his phone didn't sound like him—he used her full name "Meghan" instead of her nickname "Meg."
Harry’s takeaway back then was brutal. He said, "She had a father before this, and now she doesn't have a father."
The "With Love, Meghan" Controversy
The new show is supposed to be soft. It’s about gardening, cooking, and friendship. Yet, it’s become a lightning rod.
Critics—including Thomas and Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Jr.—say the show is "bland." Thomas Jr. even joked that the opening scene with bees should be called "Botox with Meghan."
The Duchess seems to be leaning into the "lifestyle" space as a way to control her narrative. If the tabloids want to talk about her family drama, she’s going to talk about lemon curd. It’s a pivot. A very intentional one.
Why the Public is Torn
People usually fall into two camps here.
One side sees a daughter who was "betrayed" by a father who sold her out to the press for money. They see her silence as a healthy boundary. They argue that Thomas has never even met his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet, so why should he have a say in her life?
The other side sees a "abandoned" elderly father who just wants to talk to his daughter. They find her "Sussex" branding pretentious and agree with Thomas that she seems overly rehearsed.
What’s Next for the Markle Family?
Is there a chance for a reunion?
Reports surfaced in late 2025 that Meghan’s representatives confirmed she reached out to her father after he faced health issues. But the fact that Thomas is still giving "nuke" interviews to the Daily Mail suggests that any private olive branch was either rejected or wasn't enough to stop the media cycle.
Netflix has already renewed With Love, Meghan for a second season. They clearly don't care about the bad reviews from her family. In fact, the drama probably helps the numbers.
Actionable Takeaways for Navigating Public Family Feuds
If you're following this story and wondering how to deal with your own "difficult" relatives, there are a few things to learn from the Meghan vs. Thomas dynamic:
- Set Firm Boundaries: Whether you agree with her or not, Meghan has stuck to her "no comment" rule regarding her father for years.
- Focus on Your Output: Instead of arguing, she’s focusing on her brand. Success is often the loudest response.
- Know When to Walk Away: Sometimes, blood isn't enough to sustain a relationship that feels toxic.
- Privacy is a Currency: Once you go to the press with family business, it’s almost impossible to get that privacy back.
The Meghan Markle response father criticism Netflix situation is a reminder that even "fairytales" have complicated backstories. While Thomas Markle continues to critique her authenticity, Meghan seems content to let the cameras roll on her own terms.
To stay updated on this, you can check the official Netflix Tudum site for Season 2 updates or follow the Sussexes' official project announcements. If you’re looking to heal your own family rifts, looking into "Gray Rocking" communication techniques might be more useful than watching a documentary.