The Parents of Meghan Markle: Doria Ragland and Thomas Markle

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, was born in 1981 to Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland. Her parents met in California, married in 1979, and divorced in 1987. Since Meghan's 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, she and her father have been estranged following a controversy involving staged paparazzi photos, which led him to skip the royal ceremony. "Ive lost my father," Meghan reflected in a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Doria Ragland, on the other hand, remains a devoted grandmother to Meghans children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Meghans friend and longtime makeup artist Daniel Martin described Ragland as "classy, confident, and approachable," noting that Meghan inherited much of her poise and strength from her mother.

Early Life and Family Background

Doria Ragland was born in Ohio on September 2, 1956, and Thomas Markle grew up in Newport, Pennsylvania. The couple met while working on the set of General Hospital, where Thomas was a lighting director and Doria worked as a temporary assistant makeup artist. Meghan later wrote that their connection was sparked by Ragland's "sweet eyes" and their shared interest in antiques.

After marrying in 1979, the couple welcomed Meghan on August 4, 1981. Meghan grew up with the affectionate nickname "Flower," given by her mother. However, when she was six years old, her parents divorced. Meghan later reflected on this period in the Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, describing her childhood as split between "two houses, two kitchens, two phones" while longing for a traditional nuclear family.

Siblings and Extended Family

Thomas Markle had two children, Samantha and Thomas Jr., from a previous marriage to Roslyn Loveless. Meghan has no relationship with her half-siblings, as they were grown and out of the household before her birth. Thomas currently resides in the Philippines, where he recently underwent surgery to amputate his left leg. Meghan reportedly reached out to her father after the operation.

Doria Raglands Role During Meghans Royal Life

Ragland has been closely involved in Meghans life, including during her early relationship with Prince Harry. She recalled in Harry & Meghan how the couple initially kept their romance private. When the relationship became public in 2016, Ragland experienced constant paparazzi attention, making daily activities challenging. She attended several high-profile events with Meghan and Harry, including the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards in 2023, and was present during incidents involving aggressive paparazzi pursuit.

Meghans Wedding and Mothers Support

On the eve of Meghans 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, Ragland met the Queen and Prince Philip at Windsor Castle and then spent the night with Meghan at Cliveden House Hotel. She accompanied her daughter to St. Georges Chapel the following day. Although there was speculation that she would walk Meghan down the aisle, the Duchess chose to go alone before being joined by Prince Charles. For the event, Ragland wore a custom pale green ensemble by Oscar de la Renta and stylish accessories.

Estrangement from Thomas Markle

Meghans relationship with her father deteriorated after his staged paparazzi photos, which she saw as a betrayal. Thomas did not attend the wedding and later expressed regret over the incident. In Harry & Meghan, Prince Harry acknowledged that some responsibility for their estrangement fell on him, emphasizing that Meghan had effectively lost her father in the process.

Grandmotherhood

Doria Ragland became a grandmother in 2019 with the birth of Prince Archie and was present for his introduction to the Queen and Prince Philip. She welcomed her second grandchild, Princess Lilibet, in June 2021, continuing her role as a supportive and loving presence in Meghan and Harrys family.

Author: Logan Reeves