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    Meghan Markle’s dad just compared the royal family to scientologists

    And no one knows how to feel.

    Jenny Proudfoot's avatar
    By Jenny Proudfoot
    Published 20 August 2018 In News

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    (Image credit: Getty Images)
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    And no one knows how to feel.

    Meghan Markle has a difficult relationship with her father, Thomas Markle, something that has plagued her first few months as a royal.

    The Markles as a whole have created a lot of drama around the now Duchess of Sussex, from estranged nephew Tyler Dooley naming his cannabis business after her to estranged half sister Samantha Grant rumoured to be appearing on Celebrity Big Brother.

    But it is Meghan’s dad that has caused the most drama, with it even reported last week that the royal family is considering an ‘aggressive strategy’ to stop his constant involvement with the press.

    There was the ongoing drama of whether he would be walking her down the aisle, his staged photographs for the press, and of course the multiple TV appearances, even talking about Princess Diana in some controversial comments this month, announcing it would be his last ever interview.

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    Then he opened up again, divulging details from a heated phone call where he allegedly hung up on Prince Harry, and according to his daughter, Samantha, he is even launching his own clothing line.

    meghan markle difficulty

    REX/Shutterstock
    (Image credit: REX/Shutterstock)

    This week however the 74-year-old might have properly crossed the line, after he likened the royal family to scientologists.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    Yes, this is not a drill. This actually happened.

    ‘They are either like Scientologists or the Stepford family,’ Thomas told The Sun in a recent interview. ‘They are cult-like — like Scientology — because they are secretive.’

    He continued: ‘If they hear anybody say anything they just lock the doors. They need to speak up! They close the door, pull the shades down and put their fingers in their ears so they don’t have to hear.’

    The royal family have yet to respond.

    Jenny Proudfoot
    Jenny Proudfoot
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    Contributing Features Editor

    Jenny Proudfoot is an award-winning journalist, specialising in lifestyle, culture, entertainment, international development and politics. After working at Marie Claire UK for seven years - rising from intern to Features Editor - she is now a freelance contributor to the News and Features section.

    In 2021, Jenny was named as a winner on the PPA's '30 under 30' list, and was also listed as a rising star in journalism.

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