Meghan Markle’s reclusive dad Thomas flashes a peace sign as he comes out of hiding from very un-royal clifftop home at Mexican resort
MEGHAN Markle’s reclusive father flashed the peace sign as he came out of hiding in Mexico and was congratulated on his daughter’s engagement to Prince Harry.
In our exclusive photos, 73-year-old Thomas Markle, who has stayed out of the limelight since news of Meghan and Harry’s relationship broke a year ago, seemed in good spirits as he paid a late night visit to a petrol station in Rosarito, Mexico.
He smiled while clutching three packets of cigarettes as he left a convenience store, but kept quiet on when he was going to meet his son-in-law, and whether he was going to walk his daughter down the aisle at Windsor Castle in 2018.
When asked how he felt about the wedding news, he simply said he was happy, adding: “No comment, kids, thank you,” before throwing a peace sign and driving away into the night.
Thomas, an Emmy award-winning lighting technician, who is now retired, was declared bankrupt last year and has gone to great lengths to stay out of the spotlight, even moving to different rented properties.
Standing at 6ft 3in and weighing roughly 300lbs, he stands out in a crowd, despite being in an area full of British and American ex-Pats who relocate to Rosarito due to the cheap cost of living and breathtaking beach views.
Mr Markle, who nicknamed 36-year-old Meghan "Bean", has only spoken to Harry on the phone when he asked his permission to pop the question, and they are yet to meet face-to-face.
The Sun Online has published a video which revealed Meghan had a fractured relationship with her father.
In a candid home video, Meghan confided in a pal about her difficult relationship with dad Thomas — saying: “We aren’t on the best of terms.”
Since his daughter's engagement was announced and he went into hiding it has been confirmed he would walk Meghan down the aisle despite leg problems.
He has reportedly told his family they will be invited to the ceremony in May.
He was found today living in a tiny yellow house perched high on a 120-foot cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
According to residents in Rosarito he enjoys spending time relaxing at home, shops at Walmart, and tells friends: “Have you heard of Meghan Markle? I am her dad.”
His red-tiled home sits on a cobblestone street, with plywood covering the windows that face inland.
On the other side he enjoys sweeping views of pelicans flying low over the Pacific and curlews and other wading birds strutting on the shore.
When approached tonight he said: “I can't speak out of respect for my family. I just can't.”
Harry is said to have asked Mr Markle for permission to ask for Meghan's hand.
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And under strict royal protocol, the Prince also asked the Queen for permission to marry the divorced actress.
In a statement, she and the Duke of Edinburgh announced they "are delighted for the couple and wish them every happiness".
Harry's dad, Prince Charles said he was "thrilled" and "very happy indeed" as news of the engagement broke.
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