Meghan Markle must end conflict with dad Thomas NOW to avoid ‘tarnishing’ Royal Family’s reputation, relationship expert says
Relationship expert Sheela Mackintosh-Stewart said the Duchess of Sussex should 'make it a high priority'
MEGHAN Markle needs to heal her relationship with dad Thomas Markle before her baby is born, according to a relationship expert.
Family consultant Sheela Mackintosh-Stewart said that Meghan needs to avoid ruining the reputation of the royal family.
The Duchess of Sussex, 37, is said to have not been in contact with Thomas since she tied the knot with Prince Harry last May.
Tensions are thought to be running high after Meghan's dad staged paparazzi photos and gave a string of controversial interviews, including likening the Royal Family to Scientologists because of their “cult-like” secrecy.
told Fabulous Digital: “Meghan is royal now too and, being the most famous family in the world, any negative stories of wrangling can potentially tarnish the reputation of the Royal Family, which is undesirable.
“There are therefore good reasons why Meghan should take the necessary steps and make it a high priority to end the conflict now.
“She should investing time and effort in peacebuilding and healing family fractures, preferably before Baby Sussex is born.
“Meghan’s role as peacemaker would undoubtedly show that she has quiet and strong authority and is a force for good, which is a win-win situation for all.”
The relationship guru said that it is “understandable” that Meghan is “bewildered” by the “accusatory, angry, hurtful comments and her family’s public criticisms of her.”
Sheela added: “But no family is perfect. Unresolved anger merely exacerbates existing issues, so families who don’t tackle their problems at the time are the losers.
“Think about it: what purpose does family dysfunction and carrying grudges serve? Who does it benefit? Absolutely no one.
“Most people understandably expect their parents to make the first move but I have seen family situations where the children have taken the lead.
“This is the action I would encourage Meghan to take.”
Sheela added that healing the rift would not only help the family, but also help promote Meghan’s image as a figurehead for peace.
She explained: “As a global ambassadress promoting world peace, she would be seen as a role model for family unity and peacebuilding.
“Meghan must actively listen to family members who feel overlooked and misunderstood, and they should use their time together to discuss and put aside differences.
“Everyone wants to love, to be loved and to belong, so Meghan should try to include her father in her life especially with the arrival of baby.
“But in doing so, she must also set clear boundaries as to what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour - and be very firm that the lines cannot be crossed.”
Sheela acknowledged it would have to be a two-way street for the Duchess of Sussex and Thomas Markle to make peace, and he would have to take responsibility for his actions.
She said that Thomas would have to understand that badmouthing his family in the press would be “absolutely off-limits”.
Sheela said that Meghan should also focus on repairing her relationship with Kate Middleton, after rumours of a rift between the two duchesses.
It has been alleged that there is tension between Meghan and Kate after the Duchess of Sussex is said to have made her sister-in-law cry after a dress fitting for Princess Charlotte’s bridesmaid dress.
Kate is also said to have berated Meghan after it was claimed she was rude to one of her staff members.
The palace has denied all reports of a rift.
Sheela advised: “Nip the disagreement in the bud as early and as quickly as possible – Kate and Meghan need to put a stop to the ugly public stories before they cause an irreversible tear in the family tapestry.
“Kate, as the more senior royal, should ideally reach out to Meghan and try to untangle any misunderstandings.
“Moreover, Meghan is pregnant and is likely to need more support than ever so any kindness and advice Kate could give would undoubtedly be appreciated and reciprocated.”
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