Meghan Markle issued a reflective message amid the fallout from her estranged father Thomas Markle Sr.’s misconduct scandal.
“This year has reminded me how much joy can be found in the moments that make up a life,” Meghan, 45, wrote in her As Ever holiday catalog, per People. “Evening snuggles with my children. Harvest baskets gathered for friends. Travel and adventure, time in the garden, building this business and sketching away at all the details, both big and small.”
She continued, “A summer filled with laughter, wine and melting ice cream cones, followed by an autumn of new adventures. All of it has mattered. All of it has felt meaningful.”
Meghan, who shares two children with husband Prince Harry, left their family home in California to return to England in August. Despite the move, the Duchess of Sussex is still running her lifestyle brand — which recently launched its holiday collection — from abroad.
“The holidays invite us to gather a little closer, to make things with our hands, to set the table with care, and to give generously to the people we love,” Meghan continued in her personal letter. “This collection was created in that same spirit, with pieces to share, savor, gift, and make part of your own traditions. And as this year draws to a close, I want to thank you.”
She concluded, “Thank you for sharing your joy with us, for welcoming As Ever into your homes and your hearts, and for allowing us to become a part of your celebrations, your everyday rituals and the memories you are making along the way. We never take that for granted. It is such a joy to share in these moments with you, and I hope this holiday season brings many more worth savoring.”
While Meghan has been focused on her As Ever endeavors, Thomas Sr., 82, is embroiled in scandal. His son, Thomas Markle Jr., claimed to The Sun earlier this month that he allegedly discovered child sex abuse material (CSAM) at Thomas Sr.’s home in the Philippines and turned it into authorities. (Thomas Sr. vehemently denied the accusations, branding the claims as “sick lies” in a statement to the Daily Mail.)
Meghan, who has been estranged from her dad since her 2018 wedding to Harry, subsequently addressed the allegations.
“In 2018, a letter was sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection. That letter was subsequently shared with me. It made troubling and disturbing allegations against my father and I was given assurances that these were being investigated,” Meghan told Us in a statement. “I hope it can now be understood that, despite certain media publications’ distortion over the years, any distance from my father and my choice to not allow him to have contact with our children, was for one reason: to protect them. I trusted that the authorities were doing the same for other families.”
She added, “I am deeply distressed at the news that has come to light in the last 24 hours, and my thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed. Although the breadth of what has now been uncovered is more sickening than one could ever imagine, my sincerest hope is that justice will be fully served and that the priority remains the safety and protection of innocent children.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
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