Samantha Markle begs new mum Meghan to end family rift following royal baby’s birth
SAMANTHA Markle has said that it is her half-sister Meghan’s “turn” to reach out to her estranged family following the birth of her royal baby on Monday.
Delighted new aunt Samantha, 54, also told of her joy after the Duchess of Sussex delivered the healthy 7lb 3oz boy – who is seventh in line to the British throne.
But she hopes the as-yet unnamed newborn will help bridge the rift between former actress Meghan and her American family.
Speaking to DailyMailTV, Samantha said that she knows the latest addition to the royal family will grow up “to be an exceptional man”.
But she repeated calls for Meghan to reconnect with their dad Thomas Markle Sr – saying “life is too short” for her to continue to snub the 74-year-old.
Samantha, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, said: “Well I love it! I’m already an aunt and am lucky enough to have Thomas and Tyler as my nephews.
“I spent a lot of time with them when they were babies and I love them. Family is family.”
We’ve extended the olive branch and now it is Meghan’s turn
Samantha Markle
She added: “What I think is incredible is that it’s a great moment historically and although the adults have a lot of water under the bridge, I would really like to see everyone reach out.
“We’ve extended the olive branch and now it is Meghan’s turn.”
Addressing her sister personally, Samantha said: “I just want to say Meg, you’ve got a world here and a family here [in the US] that’s excited for you.”
And the mum-of-three added that she hopes Meghan allows their father to be a part of his sixth grandchild’s life.
Samantha added: “I would really love him to be a part of the baby’s life.
“But more than that, Meg is his baby too.
“Life is short and we’re family. I hope she decides to do the right thing this time.”
ROYAL BIRTH
Meghan, 37, gave birth to her and Prince Harry’s first child in the early hours of Monday morning.
Mum Doria Ragland and Harry, 34, were by her side after she was taken to Portland House Hospital on Sunday evening – dashing hopes for a home birth due to her being overdue.
Delighted dad Harry announced the birth when he appeared in front of TV crews at Windsor Castle.
Beaming with joy, Harry said: “We’re both absolutely thrilled and so grateful to the love and support from everybody out there.
“It’s been amazing so we just wanted to share this with everybody.”
And in a statement given through Buckingham Palace, Doria, 62, said she was “overjoyed” by the arrival of her first grandchild.
I am proud that my new grandson is born into the British royal family and I am sure that he will grow up to serve the crown and the people of Britain with grace, dignity and honour
Thomas Markle Sr
Dad Thomas exclusively told The Sun of his pride – while also revealing his fears he will never see the child.
He said: “I’m delighted to hear that mother and child are doing well.
“I am proud that my new grandson is born into the British royal family and I am sure that he will grow up to serve the crown and the people of Britain with grace, dignity and honour.
“God bless the child and I wish him health and happiness, and my congratulations to my lovely daughter Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry — and God save the Queen.”
DESPERATE FOR CONTACT
A source close to Thomas Sr added: “With the birth, he will wait and see if things will change.
He wants an olive branch and would dearly love to hear something from Meghan and Harry.
“But he knows that if things don’t change, he faces the prospect of not seeing his grandson.”
The last contact Thomas had from the Duchess of Sussex was a letter last August saying he had broken her heart “into a million pieces”.
It followed a rift between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle over his staged paparazzi pictures before she married Harry in May 2018.
And speaking exclusively to Sun Online following the birth, Meghan’s half-brother Tom Markle Jr congratulated his sister and said he was over the moon for her.
In a poignant personal message to Prince Harry and daughter Meghan Markle, he added: “Congratulations – I’m very happy for you both and I hope this baby will bring you all the joy in the world.
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“All newborn babies bring entire families happiness and joy – they can even bring broken families back together again.”
Thomas added: “Hopefully this baby will help mend the family rift – we’d all love to meet the baby and become a part of his life – especially my dad.
“I’m hoping that becoming a mother will open up her eyes and shed light on what family means.”
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