Amid her father Thomas Markle‘s recent hospitalization within the Philippines, the Duchess of Sussex has faced renewed media scrutiny over their estranged relationship, which reportedly dates back to 2018.
Within the midst of this family crisis, U.K. broadcaster Carole Malone made inaccurate claims about Meghan’s parents and has now publicly apologized.
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Journalist Issues Apology To Meghan Markle And Her Family For Spreading False Information
Carole Malone and GB News needed to make an on-air apology to Doria Ragland, Meghan Markle’s mum, after Carole falsely claimed that Doria had been in jail. pic.twitter.com/kYcEXxovff
— Mukhtar (@I_amMukhtar) December 16, 2025
During a live broadcast on Monday, December 15, Malone retracted her earlier statement that Meghan’s father was her sole parent while her mother, Doria Ragland, was imprisoned.
“On Thursday, December the 4th, 2025, I stated that Thomas Markle, the Duchess of Sussex’s father, brought Meghan up while her mother, Doria Ragland, was in prison,” Malone said, in a clip later shared on X.
She explained that she had believed the claim based on information circulating online but has since confirmed it was false.
“This was a real error,” Malone said. “I accept what I even have been told on behalf of Ms. Ragland that she raised her daughter and that she has never been in prison or jail. I apologize sincerely to Ms. Ragland and her family for any pain my comments can have caused.”
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GB News anchor Andrew Pierce, who appeared on the unique segment, also issued an apology on behalf of the network, stating they were “Glad to correct the record.”
The remarks in query were made during a discussion about Meghan’s parents and their family dynamic, with particular concentrate on Thomas’ recent amputation, per US Magazine.
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Meghan Markle Accused of Being Hostile Toward Reporter Supporting Her Father
Carole Malone isn’t the one media figure to clash with Meghan amid attention on her father’s health crisis.
In keeping with The Blast, journalist Caroline Graham, who remained by the octogenarian’s side during his amputation, has alleged that Meghan and her reps sent messages she described as “unnecessarily aggressive” because she decided to proceed reporting while supporting him.
Graham claimed Thomas reached out to her in the times leading as much as the surgery and stressed that each article she published about their family was done with Thomas’s full knowledge and approval.
The reporter added that the continued interviews were from Thomas’s inability to make direct contact along with his daughter.
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Meghan Markle Finally Reaches Out To Her Dad After Years Of Estrangement

While Thomas had also been attempting to achieve Meghan, she too had been attempting to get through to him.
Days ago, The Blast reported that a spokesman confirmed that Meghan was able to determine communication along with her father through “trusted contacts,” after several unsuccessful attempts.
The “Suits” actress reportedly wrote a letter to Thomas just days after his emergency surgery. On December 5, she tried to attach with him via email as news of his condition spread, however the message never reached him within the Philippines.
Her efforts continued with multiple phone calls to hospitals across the country in an try and locate where her father was recovering.
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One thing that made it difficult for Meghan was that the patriarch didn’t have access to his device while within the hospital. Adding to the issue, the 41-year-old actress can also be said to be wary of the danger that a 3rd party could overhear any private conversations.
Meghan Markle’s Siblings Urge Her to Show ‘Compassion’ Toward Thomas Markle

Because the 81-year-old battles a serious medical emergency, his other children have spoken out emotionally about his condition.
His son, Thomas Markle Jr., who rushed him to the hospital, described the situation as critical and expressed hope that the crisis might result in a reconciliation between their father and Meghan.
“My only wish is that Meghan shows my father some compassion,” Thomas Jr. said. “He’s literally fighting for his life.”
Meanwhile, daughter Samantha Markle reflected on the strain of their father’s ongoing health struggles, noting that he suffered a stroke in 2022 and has since endured two heart attacks. Despite the setbacks, she said she stays looking forward to his recovery.
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How Meghan Markle’s Estrangement With Dad May Affect Her Brand

While a reunion between father and daughter could also be on the horizon, critics have begun to look at how Meghan’s strained bond with Thomas could impact her “family-oriented” image.
In keeping with The Blast, Kinsey Schofield, host of “Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered,” argued that the Netflix star’s lack of communication along with her father during his medical crisis contradicts the narrative of her brand.
Schofield emphasized that it might be smart for Meghan to point out compassion toward Thomas.
Otherwise, she warned, at any time when Meghan and Harry are seen expressing empathy toward wounded veterans on the Invictus Games, questions will arise about why that very same consideration was not prolonged to her own father.

