Why Meghan Markle's Father Is Ditching America After Years Begging To See His Grandkids

Meghan Markle's estranged father, Thomas Markle, has announced that he is leaving America and seeking a "fresh start" elsewhere.

Thomas explained that he is not running away, nor was his decision based on his broken relationship with Meghan and Harry, but that he's seeking "peace" and "kinder people."

Thomas Markle, who hasn't seen his son-in-law Prince Harry since he married Meghan Markle, also discussed the possibility of him finally meeting the Duke of Sussex or his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Thomas has revealed he plans to make drastic changes in his life after years of scrutiny and controversy surrounding his relationship with his daughter.

In a chat with the Daily Mail, Thomas noted that he's leaving America behind and is looking for a "fresh start" abroad to afford some decorum in his final years.

"I am ready for a change. I have felt stuck in a rut for some time, and I am ready to meet new people and experience kindness," he told the news outlet.

Meghan and Thomas were once close but have had their relationship severely affected after he staged paparazzi photos before her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, which he missed after suffering two heart attacks a day before the event.

Recalling past moments with the former "Suits" actress, the 80-year-old showed the news outlet Meghan's school report card, which described her as a child who "demonstrates constant effort and is active in classroom discussions."

He has apparently kept several sentimental items, such as family albums, that remind him of Meghan, whom he refers to as "Megsy."

Thomas's decision to flee the country is not because of Meghan and Harry but for his sanity. He disclosed that he's looking to relocate to South East Asia.

"I don't know where I'll end up but it is time to move on and find a place where I can live among kind people and enjoy the time I have left," he said.

"I traveled in that part of the world when I was a younger man. The people are so kind and welcoming and respectful to older people," Thomas remarked about his potential destination. "It is a place of culture and beauty."

According to the news outlet, the Emmy-award-winning Hollywood lighting director has not renewed his rent at his cliffside house in Rosarito, Mexico.

"At 80 it is time to go somewhere where the people are lovely and I can enjoy a quieter, friendlier existence," he shared. "In South East Asia the medical care is good, you can live reasonably cheaply, the people are kind and respect older people and the food is healthy."

"Mostly I just want peace. At 80, none of us know how long we have left. I want whatever time I have to be peaceful with none of the awful drama of recent years," he added.

Although Thomas's beach community home is about a 250-mile car ride from Harry and Meghan's Montecito mansion, he has yet to meet the Duke of Sussex and his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet.

According to the Daily Mail, he has accepted that his chances of meeting them have now become slimmer but is still hopeful.

Reminiscing about the "good times" they once had, Thomas said Meghan was "a good girl," and although he doesn't "like some of the things" she has done, he will "always love her."

"My door is always open to her. I love her, and that will never change. I love all my children," he shared. "Meghan once told me she wanted me to stop talking to Tom Jr and Samantha, my children from my first marriage. But what parent could ever agree to that?"

In his chat with the news outlet, Thomas expressed his gratitude to King Charles III for walking Meghan down the aisle during her wedding to Harry at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.

Thomas missed out on Meghan's wedding as he suffered heart issues that caused him to undergo two heart stent insertions days before the event.

He had to watch the event from a rented Airbnb and showed the news outlet a doctor's note that forbade him from traveling.

"I'm a grandfather and he is King of England – but he too is a grandfather who would like to see his grandkids," Thomas said of Charles, adding that he remains "incredibly grateful" to the King.

"I'm not running away. I am going in search of a more positive life. Every day I see something about Meghan. This week, it has been the new TV show," he said. "I wish her no ill will. My dream is that one day I could bring my whole family together, like a 'normal' family."

While Meghan's father prepares to leave America, the Duchess is getting ready for the release of her very own Netflix cookery show after making her social media comeback.

The mother of two shocked royal fans when she shared a beach video post on Instagram on January 1, seemingly ringing in the new year.

Shortly after, Meghan released the official trailer of her Netflix TV series, "With Love, Meghan." The trailer featured the royal participating in various activities, including gardening, cooking, and beekeeping.

She also had some famous faces in her video, such as actress Mindy Kaling and former "Suits" co-star Abigail Spencer.