Meghan Markle Laughs Last as Demeaning 'Misinformation' About Family Is Retracted: 'This Was a Genuine Error'

Meghan Markle has earned one victory against the U.K. press. 

Amid her father Thomas Markle's recent hospitalization in the Philippines, the Duchess of Sussex has faced renewed media scrutiny over their estranged relationship, which reportedly dates back to 2018. 

In the midst of this family crisis, U.K. broadcaster Carole Malone made inaccurate claims about Meghan's parents and has now publicly apologized. 

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 genuine error," Malone said. "I accept what I 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 may have caused."

GB News anchor Andrew Pierce, who appeared on the original segment, also issued an apology on behalf of the network, stating they were "Happy to correct the record."

The remarks in question were made during a discussion about Meghan’s parents and their family dynamic, with particular focus on Thomas’ recent amputation, per US Magazine.

Carole Malone is not the only media figure to clash with Meghan amid attention on her father's health crisis.

According to 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 continue reporting while supporting him.

Graham claimed Thomas reached out to her in the days leading up to the surgery and stressed that every 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 with his daughter.

While Thomas had also been attempting to reach Meghan, she too had been trying to get through to him.

Days ago, The Blast reported that a spokesman confirmed that Meghan was able to establish communication 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 connect with him via email as news of his condition spread, but the message never reached him in the Philippines.

Her efforts continued with multiple phone calls to hospitals across the country in an attempt to locate where her father was recovering.

One thing that made it difficult for Meghan was that the patriarch did not have access to his device while in the hospital. Adding to the difficulty, the 41-year-old actress is also said to be wary of the risk that a third party could overhear any private conversations.

As 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 lead to a reconciliation between their father and Meghan.

"My only wish is that Meghan shows my father some compassion," Thomas Jr. said. "He is 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 remains hopeful for his recovery.

While a reunion between father and daughter may be on the horizon, critics have begun to examine how Meghan's strained bond with Thomas could impact her "family-oriented" image.

According to The Blast, Kinsey Schofield, host of “Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered,” argued that the Netflix star's lack of communication with her father during his medical crisis contradicts the narrative of her brand.

Schofield emphasized that it would be wise for Meghan to show compassion toward Thomas.

Otherwise, she warned, whenever Meghan and Harry are seen expressing empathy toward wounded veterans at the Invictus Games, questions will arise about why that same consideration was not extended to her own father.