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Harry and Meghan's decision to step back from royalty was made by her, Duchess's sister claims

Samantha Markle appeared on This Morning today. (ITV)
Samantha Markle appeared on This Morning today. (ITV)

Meghan Markle’s half sister has once again criticised her and said she believes the Sussexes’ decision to step back from the Royal Family was hers.

Samantha Markle, who has regularly attacked the Duchess of Sussex in the media, appeared on ITV’s This Morning today and said she felt Meghan was unhappy with public criticism.

Samantha appeared on the show saying she wanted to speak up for their father, Thomas Markle, who is reportedly prepared to give evidence on behalf of the Mail on Sunday in Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s legal action against the paper.

“I am feeling it was her decision (for the couple to step back) because she was not happy with the criticism that was taking place publicly,” she told This Morning’s Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex leaving after their visit to Canada House, central London, to meet with Canada's High Commissioner to the UK, Janice Charette, as well as staff, to thank them for the warm hospitality and support they received during their recent stay in Canada. Picture date: Tuesday January 7, 2020. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire PA
Meghan has frequently been criticised by half sister Samantha. (Yui Mok/PA Wire)

Samantha has been a constant critic of of the Duchess since she became a member of the Royal Family, but she insisted to This Morning that she has been in a “vicious cycle of setting the record straight rather than just being out there trying to get attention”.

Meghan and father Thomas Markle’s broken relationship has been put back into the media’s spotlight after it emerged Mr Markle is ready to give evidence in support of the Mail on Sunday’s defence from her legal action.

The Sussexes have launched a case against the paper, which published a letter from Meghan to Thomas Markle.

Mr Markle’s willingness to appear in court emerged a week after Meghan and Harry said they wanted to step back from royalty, become financially independent and find new ways to communicate with the press after numerous negative and critical headlines of the couple, and the Duchess in particular.

There have been suggestions the couple’s decision to relocate partly to Canada has been fuelled by racist attitudes to Meghan in the UK.

Samantha said Mr Markle will “of course” be prepared to testify in court and will have “quite a bit to say soon”.

“I don’t see a reconciliation at this time theres too much water under the bridge,” she added.

She said there had been a smear campaign against her family and said if they did reconnect, Harry and Meghan have “quite a bit of apologising to do”.

Mr Markle has not met Harry or grandson Archie.