I turn 80 in July... I know Meghan won't be in touch

Thomas Markle on being cut off by daughter

- LUCY THORNTON

THE Duchess of Sussex's father says hopes of a call from her on his 80th birthday have faded to zero.

Thomas Markle, who hits the milestone on July 18, also said he feels empathy for King Charles.

The men are the grandfathers of Prince Harry and Meghan's children Archie, five, and Lilibet, three, but are both estranged from them. Thomas has never even met them.

He told a newspaper: "I never in my 80 years thought I'd be in the same boat as the King. I would love to speak to him because I am sure he has as many unanswered questions as I do.

"Neither of us deserves the treatment we've received.

"He is going through cancer treatment and I'm not in the best of health." But Thomas added: "I'm not afraid of dying.

It is what it is." He plans to celebrate his upcoming birthday with son Tom Jr, and is expecting a call from daughter Samantha, who is too ill with multiple sclerosis to travel to see him.