Thomas Markle has been estranged from his youngest daughter Meghan Markle since shortly after her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018.

Thomas Markle has never met neither Prince Archie or Princess Lilibet. (Image: Getty/7News)

Thomas Markle is likely "very sad" to be missing out on yet another special family occasion because of his strained relationship with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, a royal expert claimed.

The former television lighting director has been effectively estranged from his youngest daughter since after her wedding to Harry in 2018.

He was due to fly to the UK to walk her down the aisle, but news of an agreement with the paparazzi paired with a heart attack days before the ceremony prevented him from attending.

Markle is not believed to have seen the Duchess of Sussex since – and he has repeatedly complained about never meeting his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

With Lilibet's birthday looming, royal expert Phil Dampier spoke of the distress Mr Markle shares with King Charles as he misses out on yet another special occasion.

Princess Lilibet Diana will be turning three on June 4. (Image: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex/Misan Harriman)

Speaking to The Sun's Royal Exclusive show, Mr Dampier said: "It is amazing that she's already three but there is this underlying sadness of course because of the rift that the King is not seeing his grandchildren.

“I think he's only met Lilibet possibly once and Archie only a couple of times and they are seventh and eighth in line to the throne, growing up in California on the West Coast of America with American accents and they just don't see them.”

During her bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, the Duchess claimed her father had lied to her about speaking to the British press in what she dubbed a "betrayal" she couldn't "reconcile."

Mr Dampier added: "So that is the underlying sadness and whether they're going to one day heal this rift, we don't know, but at the moment I don't think there's much prospect.”

The royal expert also argued Harry and Meghan face the prospect of intense questioning from Lilibet and Archie when they are older on the lack of contact with both families.

He said: "When they get a bit older, are they going to start asking questions ‘How have we got to this situation’, ‘How is it I don't see my grandparents’, ‘How is it I don't have anything to do with the Royal Family?’

“When they get old, that's probably when the problem is going to start and it's going to be difficult for them.”

Lilibet, who will be turning three on June 4, is believed to have met the King in person only once when her parents brought her and Archie to the UK to celebrate the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

While Archie was born in the UK and met his grandfather on multiple occasions, he was barely six months old when he moved to North America with his parents.

In a world captivated by the glitz and glamour of the British royal family, one couple's fairy tale romance has taken a tumultuous turn....

In a world captivated by the glitz and glamour of the British royal family, one couple's fairy tale romance has taken a tumultuous turn. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, once hailed as the epitome of modern love, sought refuge in the US three years ago, hoping to escape relentless media scrutiny and forge their own path.

However, recent rumors have cast a shadow over their idyllic existence, suggesting that their dream life may be crumbling beneath the surface.

Whispers of marital discord and potential separation circulate as the world eagerly awaits the truth behind Meghan and Harry's alleged struggles.

Speculation began when the couple failed to commemorate their wedding anniversary with the customary social media post, raising eyebrows and fueling speculation about the state of their relationship. Reports emerged suggesting that Prince Harry had been contemplating alternative living arrangements if a separation were to occur.

Noted biographer Tom Bower claimed that the cracks in the couple's relationship had deepened due to Prince Harry's realization of Meghan's true nature. Bower's allegations sparked controversy and prompted discussions about the couple's motivations and the authenticity of their public personas.

Rumors swirled about the involvement of a mysterious figure known as the "Big Man Behind Meghan and Harry," with speculation pointing to Ty Warner, who allegedly harbored a crush on Meghan and provided them with support during their time of need.

Reports surfaced suggesting that Meghan made an unexplained visit to the San Cedro Ranch, a location where Prince Harry was not scheduled to be present, fueling speculation about possible infidelity or marital strain.These allegations, coupled with rumors of extensive counseling and an imminent divorce, further captivated readers, leaving them eager to uncover the truth behind the couple's troubled relationship.

The unique circumstances surrounding Meghan and Harry's transatlantic move drew attention to the legal ramifications of a potential separation.

California law stipulates that Meghan could secure primary custody of their children, granting Prince Harry visitation rights contingent on his willingness to attend therapy.

This legal nuance added complexity to the alleged marital issues as readers grappled with the potential implications for the couple's future.

As the world eagerly anticipated King Charles's coronation, Meghan Markle's conspicuous absence fueled further speculation about the state of her marriage.

Lady Colin Campbell claimed to have heard that Prince Harry had reached out to five divorce lawyers, suggesting the couple's relationship was teetering on the brink of collapse. These shocking revelations only intensified readers' curiosity, prompting them to delve deeper into the unfolding drama.

Amidst the plethora of rumors and allegations, some commentators theorized that Harry and Meghan themselves may have orchestrated calculated leaks to maintain their relevance in the public eye.

The suggestion that the couple was deliberately fueling speculation added a layer of complexity to the narrative, leaving readers grappling with the possibility that the entire saga might be a carefully constructed performance.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's journey from fairy tale romance to rumored marital turmoil has captured the world's attention. As whispers of separation and discontent continue to reverberate, readers are left yearning for answers.

Only time will tell whether these allegations hold any truth or whether the couple's love story will endure.

In a world where perception often obscures reality, the ultimate unraveling of Meghan and Harry's relationship promises to be an enthralling saga that captivates audiences around the globe.