Let’s face it—while the royal family is glamorous and fascinating, Prince Harry hit the jackpot when it comes to his in-laws. Meghan Markle’s parents, Doria Ragland and Thomas Markle, seem like genuinely wonderful people. But when we talk about Meghan’s extended family, things get a little complicated. Her half-sister, Samantha Grant (also known as Samantha Markle), has made headlines for her outspoken comments about the Duchess of Sussex. Based in Florida, Samantha is a writer and vocational rehabilitation counselor who hasn’t always had kind words to say about her younger sibling. But as you’ll see, her feelings seem to have evolved since Meghan became a member of the royal family. So, let’s dive into the story of one of Meghan’s most controversial family members.
Who Exactly Is Samantha Markle?
To understand Samantha's connection to Meghan, we need to go back a few decades. Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle, was married to a woman named Roslyn Markle before he tied the knot with Doria Ragland. Roslyn and Thomas had two children together: Samantha, born in 1965, and a son named Thomas Jr. This makes Samantha 17 years older than Meghan. Interestingly, Samantha reportedly doesn’t have a close relationship with either her mother or her brother. In fact, her past comments about Meghan suggest that their relationship has been strained for quite some time. But before we get into all the drama, let’s take a moment to appreciate how complex family dynamics can be, even for someone as high-profile as Meghan Markle.
(Photo Credit: In Touch Weekly)
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Calling Meghan a "Social Climber": The Controversy
Before Meghan became engaged to Prince Harry, Samantha made some pretty harsh remarks about her sister. In an interview with The Sun, Samantha labeled Meghan a “shallow social climber” and accused her of failing to provide emotional and financial support to their father. Samantha, who lives with multiple sclerosis, even suggested that Meghan distanced herself because of Samantha’s disability. “I didn’t feel a separation from her until I was in the wheelchair,” Samantha said. “The more high-profile she became, the less she mentioned me. The royal family would be appalled by what she’s done to her own family. The truth would kill her relationship with Prince Harry.” It’s tough to hear accusations like this, especially when they come from someone who’s supposed to be family.
After the Engagement: A Change of Heart?
Fast forward to after Meghan's engagement, and Samantha seemed to soften her stance. Appearing on Good Morning Britain, she walked back many of her earlier criticisms. “She’s lovely. She’s very animated, very charming, very lively, and no matter what, I don’t believe you can be a half-sister,” Samantha said. “Either you’re sisters or you’re not. In my heart and in reality, she’s my sister, and she’s absolutely lovely. So let me clear up any misconceptions about that right now.” Samantha went on to heap praise on both Meghan and Prince Harry. “It’s not so much about who he is in terms of royalty but who he is as a man,” she explained. “I can see she’s just bubbling with happiness. It’s so charming and so warm. When I watch her with him, it feels very real and normal. We only get that once in a lifetime if we’re lucky. It’s not about royalty—it’s about love, and that’s wonderful for them.”
Samantha's Upcoming Book: What to Expect
Adding another layer to this story is Samantha’s decision to write a book about her life and her relationship with Meghan. Titled The Diary of Princess Pushy’s Sister, the book is already generating buzz. However, Samantha insists it won’t be a scandalous tell-all. “It’s true that I’m writing a book, and the title is accurate,” she explained. “What’s not true is this idea that it’s going to be some kind of slamming exposé. Instead, I’m sharing some of the beautiful nuances of our lives and our family home. More importantly, the book explores the racial evolution of this country through the lens of my life and my family, from the Civil Rights Act to the present day. It’s about how all of this intersects with Meghan’s recent royal connection and how it’s been both beautiful and challenging. It’s a warm, witty, and heartfelt story of our lives.” One thing’s for sure: Samantha’s voice will continue to shape the narrative around Meghan’s family for some time to come.
