Prince Harry, 32, has reportedly met his girlfriend Meghan Markle’s father, Thomas, who is said to be “extremely proud” of his daughter.
The visit to the former lighting director’s home reportedly took place during one of the Prince’s many visits to the Suits actress’ hometown in Toronto, Canada.
Speaking with the Daily Mail, Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Jr, has revealed that the family’s patriarch, 72, knew about the relationship long before the couple’s relationship was public knowledge.
“He first met Prince Harry about six months ago out in Toronto. He goes once every couple of months – [Meghan and Thomas Markle Sr] are very close and they stay in close contact,” Thomas Jr explained to the website.
“He’s pretty happy about Harry and he’s extremely proud of her [Markle]. They have an amazing relationship, they’re very close and they always have been.”
Thomas Jr, who at 50 is 15 years older than his half-sister, said: “They’re extremely happy together, they look great together and she’s done good.”
“She’s very much in love and she’s obviously happy because if she wasn’t happy, she wouldn’t be there.”
Since their romance was revealed back in October, the pair have been jetting across the globe to see each other.
“So she is happy and [the relationship is] taking off, which is good, and I wish them all the best. I couldn’t be happier for her.”
He added: “I think it is wonderful. As long as he takes care of and loves Meg, he doesn’t have to do anything else… he looks like a genuinely good man – and he was in the services as well. He looks happy, he looks like he’s stress-free and like he could be a good guy for Meg.”
“They get along and that’s what matters… Prince Harry is lucky.”
Speaking to The Sun a source close to the couple has revealed that “they want to do as many normal things as possible, like any young couple.”
Speaking to Meghan’s possible future-life as a princess, Thomas Jr, a window fitter who lives in Oregon, said, “She’s the right girl for the job [of being a princess]. It’s not a job but she’s the right girl. You couldn’t get a more refined, well-rounded person than her.”
He added: “Meghan is already accomplished in life and now there’s this on top of it. I mean it’s every girl’s dream to become a princess but she never said anything about it.
“She did like Cinderella and The Little Mermaid but she never had a Prince Harry poster or anything like that. But still, I think she fits the bill more than anyone.”
Meanwhile, Prince Harry has delighted fans by posing on the cover of Town and Country.
Looking seriously handsome in a khaki shirt, the royal speaks to the publication about his conservation work in Africa and the special place the country holds in his heart.
Harry revealed he first escaped to the country after his mother, Princess Diana, was killed.
“My dad told my brother and me to pack our bags – we were going to Africa to get away from it all,” he said. “My brother and I were brought up outdoors. We appreciate nature and everything about it. But it became more…”
“This is where I feel more like myself than anywhere else in the world. I wish I could spend more time in Africa. I have this intense sense of complete relaxation and normality here.”
“To not get recognised, to lose myself in the bush with what I would call the most down-to-earth people on the planet, people [dedicated to conservation] with no ulterior motives, no agendas, who would sacrifice everything for the betterment of nature… I talk to them about their jobs, about what they do. And I learn so much.”
