Samantha Markle on Meghan and Prince Harry's baby: 'If my dad is excluded, I won't be happy'
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they’re expecting their first child in Spring 2019, just hours after landing in Australia for their royal tour.
A statement released by Kensington Palace said: “Their Royal Highnesses have appreciated all of the support they have received from people around the world since their wedding in May and are delighted to be able to share this happy news with the public.”
They also said the Royal Family had been informed at Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank’s wedding on Friday and that Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland “is very happy about this lovely news and she looks forward to welcoming her first grandchild.”
The palace have declined to comment on whether Meghan’s estranged father, Thomas Markle, had been informed of her pregnancy.
However Meghan’s half-sister Samantha Markle told The Sun: “It just makes everything that happened over the last year disappear. I want Meghan to be happy and calm and have peace. Everybody needs to be positive.
Meghan and Harry in Sydney on Day 1 (PA)
“I would hope that — for the sake of the baby, the family, the world and my dad — that leaving him out of the statement was not intentional.
“I hope my dad is included and at a proper time. If he is excluded, I won’t be happy. It is in the best interests of the baby for my dad to be included.
“A baby changes everything and softens everyone. I would only hope that there would be some adjustment or some way of including him.”
Samantha has frequently spoken out against the Duchess and the royals in TV interviews and posted controversial tweets, but recently apologised to her sister during an appearance on Jeremy Vine on 5.
Samantha added that she was keen to protect her father, but hoped Meghan and Harry would include him at the appropriate time.
The Duke and Duchess have kicked off their 16-day tour of Australia and New Zealand. On Day 1 in Sydney, the couple met with Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove at Admiralty House before travelling to Taronga Zoo to pet two koalas and their joeys.
They also watched a performance at Sydney Opera House by the Bangarra Dance Company before meeting locals outside during a walkabout.
Their final engagement of the day was an afternoon reception, hosted by the Governor-General, which was also attended by Australians from a broad range of sectors, including charities, business, arts and culture and sport and entertainment.
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