Meghan Markle’s dad reveals he’s fleeing the US amid ‘awful drama’

Meghan Markle's dad has opened up about plans to move across the world in a bid to escape the 'drama of recent years'.

Thomas Markle, 80, has revealed he is planning to leave his life in Mexico in 'search of a more positive life'.

The Duchess of Sussex's relationship with her father has been strained from around the time of her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018, Sky News reports, after her father was found to have set up paparazzi pictures with a tabloid publication ahead of the ceremony.

Markle didn't end up attending his daughter's wedding, later telling TMZ that he'd suffered a heart attack six days prior and wasn't going so as not to embarrass the royal family or his daughter, Business Insider reported, with a Kensington Palace representative saying in a statement: "She and Prince Harry ask again for understanding and respect to be extended to Mr. Markle in this difficult situation."

Meghan has not spoken to her father since before her wedding. (Leon Bennett/FilmMagic)

The Suits star addressed the picture scandal in her Oprah interview, where she claimed her father had denied staging the photos, adding: "I said, 'I just need you to tell me and if you tell me the truth, we can help,' and he wasn't able to do that."

In 2021, Markle apologised to Meghan about the photos, telling Good Morning Britain (via PEOPLE): "I wish I hadn't done the whole thing."

Now speaking to the Mail on Sunday, he said he's '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 noted that he wants to move to a more 'peaceful' location, and escape the 'awful drama of recent years'.

The father-of-two has not yet decided where his destination will be, but likes the thought of South-East Asia after travelling there when he was younger.

Thomas Markle is seeking a new life. (7News)

"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." he said.

He currently resides a few miles from the US border in Rosarito, Mexico, and plans to move with Megan's half brother Tom Jr, who is 58.

Markle continues to say that he's not 'running away' and wishes his daughter 'no ill-will', adding that his 'door is always open to her'.

He said: "My dream is that one day I could bring my whole family together, like a normal family."

As for Meghan, she is set to release a new TV show with Netflix on 15 January, titled With Love, Meghan, inviting celebrity guests and top chefs to share their kitchen tips, as well as hosting and gardening.

Announcing the series on Instagram, she wrote: "I have been so excited to share this with you! I hope you love the show as much as I loved making it. Wishing you all a fantastic new year!

"Thanks to our amazing crew and the team @netflix. Beyond grateful for the support - and fun!

"As ever, Meghan."