Meghan Markle’s Father Thomas Fears ‘Anxiety’ Over Lawsuit Could Kill Him

Meghan Markle’s father, Thomas Markle, fears the “anxiety” from his daughter’s lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Ltd (ANL) — the parent company of MailOnline and The MailOnline — will cost him his life.

Meghan’s lawsuit against ANL involves a 2018 article, which published the Duchess of Sussex’s private handwritten letter to her father.

Thomas Markle's claims of anxiety come after a High Court hearing approved Meghan’s request to delay the trial that was scheduled to start on Jan. 11, 2011, to October or November 2021, the Associated Press reports.

Although ANL did not dispute the delay, the legal team asked the judge to consider Thomas Markle's “elderly and sick” condition.

In a witness statement, ANL’s editorial legal director Liz Hartley stated that Thomas Markle expressed his concerns about the delayed trial.

"This case is causing me anxiety, and I want to get it over with as quickly as possible," Thomas Markle told Hartley.

"None of my male relatives has ever lived beyond 80 years of age. I am a realist, and I could die tomorrow. The sooner this case takes place the better."

In his statement, Thomas Markle claimed his health has been deteriorating and that he has had a number of surgeries that have affected his mobility.

“I am 76 years old, and as a result of my heart condition and surgery, I am on blood thinners, which have had an effect on my breathing. I am unable to walk far or up many stairs,” he explained.

“I can’t manage to take more than 30 or 40 steps without getting winded and needing to slow down until I have caught my breath. I have had a cold for three to four years which is connected to my heart and lung disease.”

Hartley maintained that Thomas Markle wants to share his side of the story as soon as possible. Despite his health issues, she insisted he will travel to the U.K. for his day in court.