The SEEDS of Distrust! A Tale Of 2 Sisters…Samantha Markle & Meghan Markle

Welcome to The Vintage Read Show!
My name is Shauna and I upload 3/4 times a week, so make sure you subscribe and hit the notify bell to ensure you don't miss any.
Every Wednesday evening we meet up for A Gossip Before Bed, in our PJs and your favourite beverage.
Weekly there is A Snarky Snippet, in-depth book reviews, Premieres with live chat, and well-researched opinion pieces on current Royal events.
We have a lovely, friendly community here so join in via the comments and share your thoughts,
I look forward to reading them!
Shauna x Meghan Markle and Samantha Markle's relationship is full of angst and discord. In this video, I do a deep dive into that relationship and try to find when the seeds of distrust were first sown. I found that Samantha's relationship with Thomas Markle Sr was very different from the relationship he had with Meghan Markle, who had the close father/daughter relationship that Samantha always yearned for!
I researched material published in:
Meghan Hollywood Princess By Andrew Morton
Revenge By Tom Bower
Harry and Meghan The Real Story By Lady Colin Campbell
The Diary Of Princess Pushy's Sister Part 1 By Samantha Markle
#meghanmarkle #samanthamarkle #thomasmarkle

[@thevintageread]

View all the videos on this topic here: kzbin.info/aero/PLHtjd5sKD71if5zFpKs8zfWcyxCZ93z5S This is a very complex tale with a LOT of information packed into 20 minutes. Like any tale with multiple characters, any view or opinion is subjective. I present my impressions and what I discovered, however, you must do your own research and form your own opinions. A fascinating modern-day tragedy. ❤

[@emahu]

H&M should buy this history from Samantha, it will be a stunning miniserie or even a movie!

[@Mko007]

That was a very good analysis of Samantha. I also never knew Thomas Markle had done that to his children, how horrible and I have never once heard her say a bad word about her father. Sad life Samantha had. Thank you!!!!

[@acommentator4452]

@@Mko007 the danger of the golden child syndrome

[@rachmunshine9474]

@@Mko007 and Samantha has worked her butt off to get to what she has both degree and work wise. Unlike taking decades and changing jobs and career paths 100 times until she inherited a house, and then an income stream from her loser daughter, like Doria. It Was only After she advised her dad to try to improve his image after the media made him look bad by catching him walking around on a hot day in a thin undershirt or something with beer for his gate guardsmen or something when he was still “Markled” by Meghan (it’s in the dictionary now! if she had any shame, she would be horrified, embarrassed, and ashamed of herself) it was only then that she spoke out, and in her father’s defense! That was probably when he realized he had for some reason put way too many of his eggs in the wrong basket instead of dividing them of evenly, at least. If anything, the severely disabled daughter, it was still working and trying to do her best by her children- who could’ve used the help that he gave Meghan more. I’m sure he lives with his own regrets now.

[@Mko007]

@@rachmunshine9474 oh I agree with you 100%. It's Terrible the entire story. And I can't believe that about the dictionary LOL She is shameless. She's a terrible human being

[@dianat119]

it's sadly ironic that the two children Thomas left behind are fully supportive of him now whereas the child who had everything given to her has turned her back on him. No good deed(s) go unpunished, it seems.

[@thevintageread]

Yes very true!

[@kmedat8476]

@@thevintageread I think Samantha and Tom Jr. are clinging to the hope that Tom Sr. could still be a "Dad" to them. And STILL he pines for Meghan. If he was my dad, I'd have us 3 come together before he dies and help him come to terms that his Flower has abandoned him. Be at peace, and let it go. Then the three of them Sam, Tom Jr and Sr. spend the rest of their lives healing together. Underneath I've always thought, they wanted a piece of the pie. The thought of one of my siblings ZOOMING to super fame... out into the outer stratosphere fame is weird and mind-blowing

[@rachmunshine9474]

At least, when Megan told him he had to write off the other two kids before the wedding he refused to which was probably his undoing as far as she was concerned, but at least left him with two kids that love him - legitimately love him. They may have had some resentment, but once they saw how she was hurting him, I think they really came together for him.

[@MaryR1231]

The Markle family is far from perfect, like most. I personally think Thomas has a lot to do with the way meghan acts entitled. I grew up with being grateful and respectful. Somewhere, meghan never learned that. Maybe because she was always a spoiled child. I watched a live KZbin channel where Samantha was on it, and she was making excuses for meghan. You could tell she really loves her sister. It was sad.

[@chenoamoten5296]

​@@MaryR1231he said he and Doria agreed together to spoil Meghan now the world sees the result of that.

[@lisajones4683]

It must be hurtful for Samantha when Tom says he’d love to meet Archie and Lili when he didn’t pay any mind to her children.

[@UrbanArtCentral]

Ya, he never mentioned any of his other grandchildren.

[@texan903]

He didn't want to be married the first time around, nor did he want the kids from that marriage, and it's a feeling that persists. Meghan, on the other hand, was most likely planned as he seemed to want to be with her mother.

[@maryphillips4445]

Initially, I was a big supporter of Tom Senior. I still maintain. Meghan has treated him horribly, and that he doesn’t deserve what he is getting from her. However, Samantha doesn’t deserve what she doesn’t get from Tom. I don’t think he has been a good parent to any of his children. He and Doria, in my opinion, absolutely contributed to the creation of the narcissist we see today. I also suspect Tom tends to be narcissistic, though, not as severely as Meghan. I think Meghan got her grifting ways from Doria. Again, just my opinion.

[@wcolautti]

Exactly.

[@karmac2023]

I find it sad that Samantha was ignored and Meghan was treated as so “special”. If anyone has a reason to not like “daddy” it’s Samantha. The lack of support, and abandonment (when he went to CA, leaving the fam behind) is horrible. So cruel.

[@maggiepear2595]

I think You are absolutely right. Meghan got everything she wanted from Thomas. It's always so unfair when children are not treated equally by their parents 🥲

[@thevintageread]

It is so damaging 💗

[@dianebrooks412]

Excellent observations. I also think😂 Meghan is well aware of her place in her dad’s heart and his that made Samantha feel. I believe she wanted to put salt in her wound by pursuing a relationship with her daughter

[@jmmalligajothi7062]

No 2 siblings have the same parents. They are always different with different children. Fact of life

[@jayniekinser7029]

@@dianebrooks412. Well, I don’t think Meghan is so smart to do that; instead, I think she doesn’t think about other’s feelings or even understand that anyone else might have feelings.

[@gwenthompson3247]

The daughter he gave it all ignores him and humiliated him..Samantha still loved her father through it all. Thank you❤

[@jacquelinewilson2279]

Great insight, "the father Samantha got was very different to the father Meghan got".

[@starrycrown]

You are the best book reviewer on KZbin! Thorough, informative, and you back up your conclusions from the texts. Just fabulous.

[@arlenejoan6209]

Amen❣️

[@3passionflower]

And then meghan.doesnt even.invite poor Ashleigh to her wedding bc the.rfamily ,since when did she listen to the r fam,they are evil.

[@3passionflower]

I think Samantha has forgiven her father and Tom Seniour feels terrible guilt now bc he doesn't forsake "baby "as meghan instructs daddy to do .very informative I agree with all u said but u did leave some things out .Tom sen finally sees how he hurt Samantha he won't forsake her now not even for meghan that is really imp.,forgiveness .I also think Doria is not the angel.everyone thinks she is ,Tom Sen even quoted some of the things she drilled in meghans head ,not good. BUT she is even worst than Tom Sen bc she knows where her bread is buttered now .

[@3passionflower]

Where was Doria all those years ??Megan won't forgive her father for the exact thing she's doing but on a million several million dollar scale ,most definitely a sociopath, not once do I hear her talk of Christ not once

[@lindakerby3127]

I love watching your reviews on all these books…you do a wonderful, thorough job. Also, you’re very easy to understand..lol. Also, I love most of your tops! Would you mind sharing where you buy them from? Keep up the great work you do❤

[@LET337]

Poor Samantha 😢 I cried listening to this. Sounds like Thomas Snr is only interested in Meghan

[@thevintageread]

💔💗

[@juliagetman]

Thank you for this measured review. No I have heard no one else bring these issues up. Thank you for holding Thomas Sr accountable and providing insight into the sad part of Sam’s life.

[@thevintageread]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lindsaybradley300]

River, another you tube commentator does not like Mr Tom Markle. He sees in him what you do. I think your opinion is right on.

[@bluestarblue22]

@@lindsaybradley300HG Tudor says he’s a narcissist

[@djh3239]

What an interesting comment on Samantha’s book. I haven’t read it, so this video was really informative. You’re right, Thomas snr has been portrayed in the media as a loving but over indulgent father, who has been cruelly rejected by Meghan. But it seems he woefully neglected his first 2 children. I can now understand why Samantha is so infuriated at Meghan’s current attitude to their dad, she got everything from daddy while Samantha it seems got very little. What’s most surprising is that Samantha and Thomas jnr are still standing by Thomas snr!

[@patwilliams1227]

When Samantha and Thomas were sent to live with Thomas, not only did he give them anything they wanted; he allowed them to do anything they wanted. They were totally unsupervised. Both eventually dropped out of high school. Thomas, Jr. , a beatnik, was a pothead who wanted only to hang out with likeminded friends. Samantha, the wild child used her horrific accident as an excuse to drop out. However, when she became pregnant, she married her baby daddy, then proceeded to have a second child two years later. That marriage failed, and Samantha (née Yvonne) eventually gave the children to their paternal grandparents, who eventually adopted them. At that point, Samantha cut off all communication with them. Meanwhile, Thomas, Sr.-a weak man with lifelong financial issues-spent his time working long hours and accompanying Meghan on her numerous extracurricular activities in an effort to keep her away from a pot-filled house. Even when Thomas was home, he avoid dealing with his troublesome older children, usually keeping a closed door between him and them or locking the door when he was indulging his cocaine habit. Eventually, the troublesome youths left, and Meghan was able to live with Thomas, Sr. full-time. When Meghan was not a lock-key kid, she mainly accompanied Thomas, Sr. to his job site, where she could observe stars on set. So, Thomas’s actions were designed to both indulge his once-abandoned older kids and protect his youngest one-and keep her from becoming like them. Meghan’s far exceeding anyone’s wildest expectations was not a direct result of anything Thomas did consciously. Meghan’s success can be attributed to a number of factors, including her maternal and paternal extended families, the high IQ she inherited from her mother, as well as a number of other possible factors which can’t be pinpointed. However, her half-assed siblings’ attempts to ascribe her success solely to Thomas are a desperate way for them to access her good fortune through their father. Samantha’s and Thomas, Jr.’s biological mother, Roslyn Loveless, did everything she could for them when Thomas abandoned the family and, later, stopped supporting it. Yet, today, they either trash her publicly (Samantha) or don’t acknowledge her at all. So, in their own ways, they are doing exactly what Meghan is doing to Thomas, Sr. (or worse). How, then, can they criticize Meghan. They see Meghan as a free ride. And they know that, without Thomas, Sr., their connection to Meghan-and wealth, and royalty, and real fame-will be lost forever. They are desperate to encroach on Meghan’s life-to suck the life out of her in order to sustain themselves, like the leeches they are.

[@texan903]

​@patwilliams1227 interesting take and quite enlightening. Thomas Sr. created this dynamic by not attending to his older children the way he did with Meghan. He also failed at not properly emphasizing the importance of a familial bond between all three of his children. The reason the older kids malign Roslyn Markle is because she has publicly taken them to task for their misdeeds, something Thomas has never seemed to do.

[@maxinewarnest894]

​@@patwilliams1227Samantha's level of education and official qualifications are significantly higher than Meghan's.

[@madlulu136]

Hello Shauna, poor Samantha! She seems to be the one and only real victim in here, within this family 🙏 Thank you for sharing with us😘🌹😘

[@thevintageread]

Thanks for watching and understanding what I was trying to say 💗

[@madlulu136]

@@thevintageread ❤❤❤ I think that in life, karma always catches up with people, sooner or later. Maybe this is what is TM Sr experiencing now...who knows. Greetings from Italy😘

[@TheMack671]

But, why did Samantha completely ghost her own children while they're growing up? Doesn't make sense, unless that was something the grandparents demanded as a condition for them to raise Sam's kids. That Sam would have no contact with them, which would beg the question, why would the grandparents feel that strongly; that Sam should have no contact with the kids.

[@TheMack671]

I wonder if Ashliegh's grandparents gave Samantha money to stay away from her kids? I mean, they maybe didn't put it in quite such stark terms. But that was the outcome. Plus, I've noticed from watching Sam on TV and YT, that Samantha uses psychology very well. I can see her getting her rich in-laws to believe that her pain at not seeing her children could be relieved by this other thing if only she could afford it. Maybe, after a few times of this happening, the grandparents got wise and decided to adopt the kids and end Samantha's right to see the kids.

[@kappy-nf6uh]

@@TheMack671 I wonder where the children's father was in all of this. I think I read somewhere he was unemployed but after having two children, he should've manned up and shared the responsibility instead of relying on his parents to raise Ashleigh and her brother.

[@darlene6531]

I did not know much of what you just explained. But it occurred to me early on that the older children were treated differently. A perfect recipe for resentment. And I never heard Samantha say that her dad helped her with school, whereas he paid for Meghan. A sad dynamic.

[@sandrahollinshead8713]

I watched the panel of behaviouralists and they basically said their father is as narcissistic as Megan. I was surprised when I first heard Samantha interviewed that she was actually intelligent and had some valid points, up until then I had listened to the bad press put out about her.

[@thevintageread]

I had no idea! That makes me feel better I wasn’t sure if my take on TMS was plausible it was just a hunch.

[@mu77]

Samantha is highly intelligent. She is most likely the smartest one out of the lot.

[@StoneageT]

If, she’s so smart, why hasn’t she done anything with her life???

[@michele-kt]

​@StoneageT Why would you assume Samantha hasn't done something with her life without knowing a single fact? Don't be so judgemental.

[@MeiTai3377]

@@Selena-vm9mlwhen did Samantha practice as a counselor? There’s no record of it.

[@annbannister1118]

Hi shauna ❤yes I agree ,,Thomas snr was definetly a present in megs life,,and nearly all her adolescents,, He def spolit her and gave her everything she wanted,,which we know ,do not raise wonderful grounded children ,,they feel entitled, and want a lot and give very little,,as she has proven ,,I think there is a bit of jealousy from Samantha,,but you can understand ,as any child would feel a bit left out ,,I think Thomas had a bit of an obsession with Meg, but at the end of the day ,they are her family ,,and she has disrespected them disgracefully she really is a bad seed ,,😮

[@thevintageread]

Yes but I wanted people to understand that Samantha really experienced a much harsher childhood than Meghan and that made distrust between them inevitable.

[@rikkiharcourt3868]

I am afraid I think that there is something in some people that a parent cannot do anything about. They can rear with care, hope to give their offspring a lovely childhood, pay attention to showing them the world around them. Much later, many years later you can get a blow in the solar plexus that leaves you wondering where that came from. Other influences in a child’s life can be far more powerful than a parent. Who knows, I only know that all the parents I have ever come across have done their best, are admirable people but nonetheless one or two of them as got a terrible shock.

[@indiatastic]

As I understand it, he had his oldest kid at age 19, and was really poor as the kids grew up. When Meghan was born he was rich and wanted to "make up for" the father he was too poor to be

[@penelope_featherbottom9901]

If Thomas wanted to “make up” for his lack of responsibility with his first children then he should have invested in their lives when he was in a better place. Instead he put all of his $ and energy into Meghan which doesn’t right any wrong that he has done to Samantha or Thomas Jr. In my opinion, I think Thomas Sr. tries to play the victim too. He makes excuses regarding why he has done the things he has done to his older children and to Meghan now as well.

[@Chris-sq7bh]

@@indiatasticwell you sure weren’t listening to this book review 🙄

[@BuntyMcB]

When you have a dominant character in the family such as the younger daughter who (in the lead up to the wedding) is reported to have told her father to cut off her two siblings if he wanted any relationship with her and when he refused, cut him out completely, I can understand why he gave in to her all those years. Did he create that by over indulging her when she was young - probably. But, there is also the possibility that she was always that way inclined. In my family my mother said of my sister that she was held hostage by my sister’s tantrums. She was right … she pussyfooted around her to avoid her rage and we all paid the price. - my sister’s vindictiveness knows no bounds, which caused major rifts in the family and I have nothing to do with her.

[@thevintageread]

You would understand more than most! 💗

[@SarahGreen523]

I agree with you. I had a sister in my family who acted as you have described, and a mother who did the same.

[@BuntyMcB]

@@thevintageread it’s why I became a psychotherapist 😂 and I expect why Samantha is a Counsellor. I needed to understand what the blazes was going on and constantly asked why would my sister do ‘this’. I admire Sam for speaking out. Love your channel 🩷

[@BuntyMcB]

@@SarahGreen523 I hope you’re free of it. 🩷

[@juliestanfield8433]

Yes, like that, gives its tenderizes to dominate the whole family to get what she/ he wants in the end of day, because learned how to get the attention of the parent, for example, via find the weakness(spot) on its parent. Fussing all the time was their first taste of grab in order to get what wanted and for anything goes differently then as grown, still find ways to punish for not what get out of its family and relatives. Seen that with my cousin. 20 years no spoken with her

[@bernadetteverstraete9038]

I really took in your analysis of Sam's book. It brought lot of things into perspective for me. I never knew about many of the things you brought up. When you are correct. Sam had a tough go and her father should have stepped in and helped her cause he certainly could have. I agree nutmeg got the best of her father and Sam didn't. I can totally see why Sam looks at nutmeg and asks why is nutmeg treating Thomas the way she is when her life was so much better than Sam and Tom Jr....It explains a lot. Has my view of Thomas Sr changed...yes it has and not for the better. Why was nutmeg more deserving of all the good things over her siblings? That's my question.

[@thevintageread]

I wondered that too?

[@carolbythesea]

@@thevintageread I’ve seen this before. If a man becomes to hate the mother of his children, he often will treat the female children with cruelty. If a man loves the mother of his children, even if they separate, he will likely do everything he can to win the favor of his daughter, especially, if that daughter physically resembles the mother.

[@van7242]

I bought a book by Judge Judy where she wrote very critically about the Care System in USA. It was an eye opener for me! She explained that the crack cocaine problem in the 80's, and so many children having to be placed in the Care System, it became much more socially acceptable for people to give their children up to relatives rather than Social Care. It was almost actively encouraged during this time as a solution to alleviate the pressures on the system. I am NOT implying Samantha had an issue. I'm sure she had nothing to do with drugs. What I have inferred from Judge Judy's book is that giving your children up for adoption had much less of a stigma attached to it than it had, and certainly less stigma attached to it than the rest of the world. Rather than struggling parents leaning on the SYSTEM to get themselves out of sticky financial or health situations, the solution was encouraged to keep it in the family and adopt to a family member for the CHILD'S sake. On paper this sounded marvellous. But what it also meant was the Social System could 'give up' trying to help single mothers through bad patches because they 'should' adopt their children to family for the sake of the child. It was seen as the cheapest option for the state - pay for ALL a child's expenses in the system, pay for MOST with food stamps and housing with the struggling mother, OR pay a little to top-up a grandparent or siblings income. It was a no-brainer for the state. I'm exlaining this to say that suddenly it explains why Samantha giving up her children was a much more obvious and natural solution than the rest of the world might judge to be the simplest solution. Edit- I'm UK so this shocked me, reading Judge Judy's book. It made me realise that we REALLY DON'T understand anyone, or their motives, unless we understand the country and the systems they grew up in, can shape a person's actions and attitudes. How much more complicated is HISTORY when even our contemporaries, in another country, are easily misunderstood. From Judge Judy episodes on television it soon became apparent that familial adoption didn't raise an eyebrow because Judge Judy worked in the Family Court for decades. I feel so sorry for Samantha. She did her best. I consider that she SHOULD be proud of herself. She TRIED and that's very underrated. Her life was a STRUGGLE and her little sister hasn't met ANYTHING challenging in her life, yet is still moaning.

[@thevintageread]

Fascinating! I can see what you are saying…thank you I really appreciate your comment.

[@hussainamina]

It’s like John Lennon with his older son Julian, versus the younger one who was spoilt rotten.

[@kmedat8476]

Thank you for poignantly showing the dynamics within these two sisters. I imagine now Samantha is getting to play the 'rescuer' of her Dad. Thinking perhaps, "Maybe now daddy will love me and give me the attention that I've always craved, now that Megahan has betrayed him." I can imagine how infuriating it must be for Samantha, to earnestly crave her father's attention, and to see how easily Meaghan can just toss him away. It is very sad.

[@starrycrown]

True! And he keeps wanting reconciliation with M while Samantha is struggling along with MS but still trying to please him! Yikes.

[@MeiTai3377]

How did Meghan betray him? By not doing a photo op for the Daily Mail & Carolyn Graham, who humiliated Thomas Markle with the story about the pap scheme? Why would Thomas want to do a story for the same tabloid & befriend the writer who humiliated him?

[@marshajanulis6092]

i think mr markle is not the Dad he likes to portray himself...a very messed up family all around

[@sallybyrd3712]

Great summary of Samantha's life with much understanding and empathy. It makes it all so clear as to why Meghan is treating her Father the way she is doing, because that is the role model he gave her by the way he treated his first family. Samantha and Thomas Jr. are now looking after him but he was not there for them when they needed him.

[@giovannamoruzzi3734]

So many insightful observations, thank you! It sounds to me as if it should be Samantha ghosting her father, not the half sister. Thomas Senior does not come across as someone taking his responsibilities seriously until he reached a more mature age and even then - probably even now- in an extremely limited and blinkered way. He was talented as a lighting engineer but useless in the matter of human relations, unless carnal, it seems.

[@sandrab2589]

Thomas is a narcissist and narcs always pick a golden child (which in this case is Nutmeg). He will always make excuses for her because of that and cannot see any mistakes he has made or she has made. It is always someone else's fault.

[@kappy-nf6uh]

It's ironic that Thomas Senior is keen to have relationship with Meghan's children but hasn't shown much of an interest towards Samantha's children.

[@NordicaTundra]

Both parents of MM are narcs. Sam's Mom must not have been.

[@Veronique428]

@@NordicaTundra It’s quite ironic that Samantha mom said that her daughter was extremely jealous of Meghan that’s why she is spewing her venom towards Meghan, while she was interviewing for Meghan royal wedding. So even Samantha mom know how much she always was mean, detestable and have contempt towards Meghan. By the way since nobody knows Doria personally, quit bashing her and saying she a narcissist, additionally only psychologist can say that after a counselling appointment.

[@MeiTai3377]

@@NordicaTundra Samantha publicly insults and defames her mother. The mother that took in her younger daughter.

[@angahsiew2407]

You are so right in your analysis. Tom Sr. could've helped Samantha and be by her side but knowing Meghan, would you think Meghan would allow her dad to do so even as a child? Looking at their situation, it seems to me, the jeolous person could be Meghan all along.

[@bevvaor2320]

Could it be that Mr.. Markle was the role model for M? After all, parents shape their children 's future.

[@Veronique428]

It’s quite ironic that Samantha mom said that her daughter was extremely jealous of Meghan that’s why she is spewing her venom towards Meghan, while she was interviewing for Meghan royal wedding. So even Samantha mom know how much she always was mean, detestable and have contempt towards Meghan.

[@73thebutterfly]

I loved your video and your thoughtful research. It feels spot on, too. I have to admit my heart does go out to Samantha. I always thought it was quite evil of Meghan to bring Samantha's daughter onto her documentary. It was very mean and damaging to Samantha and Ashley. It's a shame Ashley can't see what a lot of us do see. Megan is truly unkind.

[@marianabryce7250]

Shauna, I heard from someone in the know, a reputable source, that Thomas Markle Snr is a narcissist as well as Meghan 🙀. That makes a great deal of sense, does it not?? He acted the way narcissists do 🙄. Clear as a bell!! Love your channel ❤️. If I were younger I would love to do what you do 👍 read and then give a critique and opinion. 🤗 you do it extremely well with a touch of humour 👌 PERFECT ❤️

[@thevintageread]

That is interesting I can see that, it makes sense. (You are never too old to do KZbin! Do it, I’ll watch and subscribe. if you need any help I will answer any questions etc.)

[@jackidosen1791]

🦘🇦🇺.Hi Shauna 📚.I felt that the HARKLES are all hiding something they seem to avoid questions about their lives.??.Thanks again Shauna good job 👏 👍 👌 💕.

[@ronarempel9081]

How absolutely heartbreaking 💔......I saw Samantha on many shows, particularly Piers Morgan, and I thought she was a goldigger, name dropping phony. How wrong was I? Piers has had Megan's number from day one. Shauna you have really shone a light on the behind the scenes truth! Thankyou for that deep dive. ❤🇨🇦

[@AA-ud5eb]

Oh yes, Piers had Meghan all figured out from the very beginning. And he had the courage to publicly criticize her and point out her faults, even when so many, including , famously an Alex Beresford kept defending Meghan .

[@Anna_Key]

Piers and Mehgan were friends before she got with Harry. Piers is included in the Netflix series, he the one who says mehgan is turning into the rock star of the Royal Family. She ghosted him early on, when she didn't need him anymore.

[@ronarempel9081]

@Anna_Key they weren't real friends, only Instagram friends. She messaged him when she was at Wimbledon and asked him if he wanted to get a drink. He complied and later that evening she cut it short....got a better offer! 😏

[@Anna_Key]

@@ronarempel9081 ok, thanks, that makes sense.

[@Veronique428]

Poor Samantha🙄🙄🙄 ​It’s quite ironic that Samantha mom said that her daughter was extremely jealous of Meghan that’s why she is spewing her venom towards Meghan, while she was interviewing for Meghan royal wedding. So even Samantha mom know how much she always was mean, detestable and have contempt towards Meghan.

[@julie-vs9zc]

Brilliant today. I agreed with everything you said. I do feel so sorry for Samantha. She's actually quite amazing considering the fight she constantly has to deal with from her MS without the cruelty of her family as well ❤

[@TheSjstokes]

Hi Shauna, great summary. I agree. I thought at the beginning of all this two years ago, the way Methane was put on various pedestals, developed her ego and had everything she wanted. Even with that blinking letter she wrote to Uni lever...Tom Snr telling her she alone had influenced a multi billion dollar organisation - what rubbish. I remember thinking, why is he making such a big deal out of Methame, when he has his other two children? It's a bit simplistic, but I thought, he's created a monster and when she deft him out into the cold, well it was hardly surprising.

[@thevintageread]

Yes, It took me a while to sort it all out…you were very perceptive!

[@carmenschuster7581]

Great video and a wonderful analysis, Shauna. I never bought into the widely spread narrative that Thomas Markle Sen. is such a wonderful and doting father. It always struck me as a bit odd that his older children seemed to be keeping their distance. They only rallied around him after Meghan iced him out and his health deteriorated dramatically. I have also heard someone say that when Doria and Meghan lived with Thomas and his two teenage kids that Doria would deliberately pretend that the two children from Thomas' first marriage did not belong to the family. She would cut them out of photographs and she and Meghan would pretend that they were a family of three (Doria, Meghan, and Thomas) instead of a family of five. Samantha and Thomas Jun. were made to feel not welcome in the family home while Doria lived there. Might be a reason why they moved out at a rather young age?

[@dapawap]

This really makes sense! Of course Samantha is resentful!

[@tdwagner1]

Family dynamics are rarely what is seen on the surface. Great deep diving.

[@thevintageread]

Thanks! I really tried! 😊

[@nicolettacinci3053]

Agree 👏👏👏👏👏

[@SarahGreen523]

I feel a lot of sympathy for Samantha. I hope she wins her case in court. I think Thomas Markle Sr. is a narcissist who raised a malignant narcissist (Meghan). I think Meghan was mirroring her father's behavior toward her siblings. What father leaves his young children for two years to go off and make a new life in another part of the country? What father showers his toddler daughter with excess while emotionally and financially starving his grown daughter? I assume he treated his son the same way. Thomas Markle Jr is a mess. Someone could armchair analyze his life for clues too. I feel sympathy for Thomas Sr. for the suffering he is going through because his princess daughter has cut him off emotionally and financially, just like he did to his children from his first marriage. I'm certain that hurts, bad. But when you point your finger at someone else, remember that, at the same time, you have other fingers that are pointed directly back at yourself. In short, Thomas Sr and his princess daughter are birds of a feather, and the apple doesn't roll far from the tree.

[@thevintageread]

Looks like it!

[@SusanDwyer-mp6yv]

Self involved man brought his youngest up to be self involved, I do understand that dad might have been making up for the past two kids ,never less he has reaped what he sowed with megs,as very much like him in many ways

[@thevintageread]

Yes it seems so!

[@oenophilered6351]

Those Markles, what a sorry lot. Resentments, jealousy abound.

[@dawntripp1974]

You are making some really great points! It is so sad how Thomas Sr. showed more love and attention to Meghan than to Samantha. She wants her dad’s love SO much and wants his love and approval that she places her anger and frustration on Meghan instead. It is the saddest part of the second family syndrome. He wanted a fatherhood do-over with Meghan. He should have tried being a better father to Samantha and Thomas Jr even though they were teens and older.

[@janahutchins4684]

OMG, I didn't have much respect for Tom Sr., but now..... As a retired mental health counselor, I have seen a lot of trappings in this family, but now I'm very curious as to why he cruelly targeted Samantha.

[@thevintageread]

Could it be because he felt trapped into the marriage with Roslyn?

[@janahutchins4684]

@@thevintageread I had to go and make some ice cream as Tom's Sr behavior infuriated me so much; lol. I hadn't thought of that and I believe it certainly had something significant to do with his targeting. I also wondered if it was because Samantha had voiced her disapproval of his sexual activities. I absolutely love your video's and look forward to them all. You might have been a counselor too in another life.

[@chippywelsh9040]

I like your very balanced and fair approach. Nothing in life is black and white. Thank you

[@jeanh8141]

Excellent Video...I agree with what you are saying. Samantha is defending her father today, Tom Jr. is looking after him but he still pines for his Meghan who could care less whether he lives or dies. If Meghan walked in his door and told him she loved him he would probably drop the two eldest children just to spend time with Meghan. I have always believed they are and have been a very disfunctional family, Doria included, and because of this Meghan will never be a whole or happy person

[@thevintageread]

Nailed it!

[@StoneageT]

Doria saved Meghan from the Tom Markle curse.

[@run4cmt]

Thomas providing a place to live may have helped Samantha keep her kids.

[@thevintageread]

That’s what I thought!

[@mlentz1975]

Howdy, Shauna ☀️ Although I don’t trust Megan and her family, I can feel empathy towards Samatha as it was the same in my family. I was born out of wedlock and my mother’s new husband and sons received all the love and attention that I hoped for. I still took care of my mom until the end of her days still hoping. That is probably why Samantha takes care of her father. Although my brothers were a bit self serving they were not ugly like Megan.

[@medleyjones1675]

As you relate it, Thomas Sr. won an Emmy then took off for California and didn't see his kids for two years. Sort of like how Meghan scored her first decent role and then decided to stay in Toronto and dump her husband. The apple not falling far from the tree? There's something sadly King Lear-ish about Thomas Sr. Two daughters, one shallow and charming, the other less charming but sincere. Like Lear, Thomas picked the wrong daughter to invest his everything in. Now he's old and sick. and bewildered.

[@thevintageread]

It seems so! King Lear indeed 😊💗

[@kathyevans2968]

I really appreciated how you explained their relationships. This was so interesting!

[@thevintageread]

Glad you liked it!

[@celinefoff1863]

Why couldn’t ’t Ashley‘d father pay child support?

[@thepunpolice11]

Does Samantha address why Tom Sr didn't help her with her first 2 children.

[@thevintageread]

No she just says she asked him and he said giving them to the other grandparents was probably for the best. I don’t think she asked him. I am just raising the question because I felt her pain.

[@thepunpolice11]

@@thevintageread according to HG Tudor Tom Sr and Doria are also narcissists but you would think that Meghan would have more complaints about her mother than her father.

[@SarahGreen523]

@@thepunpolice11 Oh I bet she has complaints about her mother too, but she still needs her mother, if for nothing else than the image she's trying to portray to the public. As soon as she doesn't need her anymore she will discard her. I think Doria is cut from the same cloth as Thomas Sr.: narcissist.

[@StoneageT]

Tom Sr didn’t help Samantha with any of her children, because their not a close nor loving family

[@patranney1561]

Samatha was Meghan’s number one target growing up. She learned a lot from how successful she tormented Samatha.

[@MeiTai3377]

They lived in separate states for most of Meghan’s childhood. How is a kid in CA tormenting a grown woman living in Texas, Virginia and New Mexico?

[@shrimponthebarbie]

I personally think Tom sr and meg are two self involved peas in a pod. Pot and kettle 🚩

[@patriciakeys4873]

What family isn't dysfunctional? I can see how the phrase "what Meghan wants Meghan gets" played into the families emotional dysfunction. People use their children as leverage against one another. It happened in my family too. I'm skeptical you will know who Big Bird or Barney in the US is, but there was a little song they sang that was, "I love you, you love me, we're a happy family"... but my kids sang "I love you, you love me, we're a dysfunctional family" because my mother was a psychopathic narcissist and constantly got family members pitted one against the other.

[@thevintageread]

💗 (the song made me laugh…it indicates they were healthy!)

[@annecunnings7886]

Really wonderful review. So fair and measured and yes, Thomas senior was favouring the golden child. He certainly should have helped Samantha and it was heartbreaking that she had to give up her children.

[@erynlasgalen1949]

Yes, favoring the Golden Child while ignoring or actively denigrating the others. We had that dynamic in the family of my spouse, who was definitely not Golden. It leaves a mark, it truly does. It does not build good character in the Goldens ones either.

[@ladykateadams]

My sister and I are 15 years apart and OF COURSE we attended each other’s graduations!

[@sueforte4947]

I 💯 agree. It seems this man is a cold person. The comments he did on how in Thailand he could pay 2 women to do things to him for 20 dollars all day long was ...horrible.

[@DutchJoan]

Samantha's anger is focused on the wrong person. You've made me understand way better why HG Tudor says that Thomas Sr is a narcissist too. But I know what it's like to have an emotionally unavailable parent, and that the yearning won't stop until she has let go and has mourned the loss of what was never there to begin with. For a good portion it wasn't Meghan but Thomas Sr doing the harm. And I wonder why he did that, multiple times. I reserve my feelings about Ashleigh for now.

[@gremlin5622]

So glad to hear you say this! In their last interview it was obvious how much Sam focused her care on her father. Yet her father spoke only about his feelings for M. Sam's oblivious. I got bad vibes from T Sr. at his first interview. Later, T Jr. spoke openly of his father's sex vacations to Thailand - it was an aha moment. Imo, T Sr. groomed M to become an actress to acquire the wealth and fame to keep him happy in his retirement. When he said in one of his earlier interviews, "H owes me. The RF owes me," he gave himself away again. I'm surprised Lady C thinks T Sr. is wonderful and kind. She's an expert on narcissism but is fooled by T Sr. Yes, MM has been awful to T Sr. But T Sr. has been awful to his first 2 kids.

[@veronicatrejo5979]

I read Samantha's book too. I would also like to know why Tom Sr didn't help out with the kids financially.

[@thevintageread]

Thanks for commenting! Feel free to share more of your thoughts regarding the book I would love to hear more of what you thought. 💗🤗

[@ceejayretired]

Wasn't she I'll at the time as well with the early stage of ms

[@vickidickinson2888]

​@@ceejayretired MS is a tough disease to diagnose with many years of odd symptoms that come and go and don't seem related at first. I give her so much credit for working to receive her Masters Degree.

[@vickidickinson2888]

As for TMSr not liking SM, could it be a projection of his feelings about his first wife? Maybe SM looks very much like her mother? Just a thought. The whole situation is very sad.

[@BevHart]

He allegedly gave Trevor and Meghan $20,000 towards the wedding, and she gave him a flight certificate. It does come across as very one sided with his children, which is very sad.

[@ElizabethCotnoir-zd5ji]

This makes me want to cry, that is so sad. I have this hope that Tom Sr sees this, realizes where he went wrong and pours some love on his eldest daughter.❤ I think this is all makes sense!

[@ellenrittgers990]

Thomas Sr has a lot to do with creating the disaster that is the ILBW!

[@mariefortier2991]

Agree... have never been impressed by ANY of the Markles...!

[@timmythecat7478]

Your assessment of Samantha Markles' book is brilliant.......WELL DONE. EXCELLENT JOB. Thank. you

[@thevintageread]

Thank you 💗

[@vickyaldridge6778]

I remember your compassion towards Tom senior after the TV family interview, so it is interesting following up with how he appears in Samantha's book. You do such thorough, thoughtful readings. Thank you!

[@thevintageread]

Yes I shocked myself!

[@SanemEm]

I think you’ve analyzed this very well. It definitely makes sense. I think it’s also important to acknowledge that Thomas Snr’s lack of support for Samantha was not Meghan’s fault.

[@user-tt3jb2do8m]

This is quite sad, what Samantha and Thomas Jr, went through. I think it's exactly like you said, because Thomas Sr, put Meghan on such a pedestal, the difference to Samantha was huge. Plus I also think Meghan's manipulative ways, look how she treated her father when she didn't get her own way, had started. I wouldn't be surprised if she invited herself to Samantha's graduation, and Thomas just let her. She went out of her way to be close to Ashley, as a kind of competitiveness with her sister, who I think, because she was academic, was someone she competed with. If Meghan does something well, it's over inflating her achievement's, without acknowledging anyone who had a hand in getting her it. Yes they had a big age gap when Meghan was born, but age gaps, can be insignificant, when your adults. Meghan is hardly in the age bracket of Oprah, or George Clooney.

[@hollyeggert9426]

Your analysis makes sense to me and is the most thoughtful I've heard. Well done.

[@ladymary22]

Thomas Sr sowed the seeds of his own destruction. Paid little attention to his first kids and worshipped his third He is loved and accepted by Samantha, but abandoned by Meghan. His story is like King Lear or a Greek tragedy

[@thevintageread]

It is!

[@leandabee]

Fascinating and sad at the same time 😧. Good one Shauna 👌

[@thevintageread]

So sad

[@TheSaba2115]

I love listening to your calm voice reviewing books that are filled with controversy and dysfunction.

[@Christa767]

Agree fully with you. So glad you did bring the truth out about In my opion, Thomans Snr. He is a narcissist. HG also say it. It is a shame Samantha don't see it, and fight for him so so much.

[@gingerroot8906]

Thomas, Sr. puts way too much into Meghan, still to this day. It is not reciprocated. Love the one you'e with, Tom. Samantha deserves better. Let go of Meghan, she is not worthy.

[@juditszabo8751]

This is very sad and I think you are right. According to HG Tudor both Thomas sr. and his second daughter are narcissist, what means that Thomas sr. doesn't have any empathy towards his children, especially Samantha, who is an empath. Thomas sr. lost the control over his second daughter, that is why he is yearning to get back into her graces. Thomas senior couldn't give love to his children from his first marriage but he certainly had control over them. This is my take on the issue based on what I learned about narcissism from the great master HG.

[@littlebluemermaid9367]

There are so many views and opinions on both MM and SM (most of them very herated and in some ways biased), it's difficult for me to navigate tall and find the truth within. Thank you for staying taking a different approach to this. I really appreciate your points of view and your voice of reason! ❤

[@parkwood6334]

Makes me wonder if Tom Sr. is in contact with his older two kids once he realized they're the only ones who talk to him.

[@faydonovan249]

M must be the "golden child" in her family, excluding the other two siblings.

[@AugustDeb]

If he made such a decent living, why is looking to MM for support now? Didn't save for retirement?

[@gwae48]

I believe PENSION PLANS in America aren't great.

[@mareandickson3058]

Apparently she bankrupted him..

[@AugustDeb]

@@mareandickson3058 Didn't know that.

[@rferguson4196]

The acorn doesn't fall too far from the tree. Tom Sr's lack of empathy is evident and his youngest knew exactly how to keep his attention.

[@maggierayner9408]

So sad. I hope Samantha’s lawsuit goes ahead.

[@carolbythesea]

A dramatic Oprah Whaaaat is heard in my head as I watched this video. Thomas knew his kids (Samatha and Tom) were being beaten by their mother as he abandoned them in Chicago to seek fame and fortune in California? Later, Doria quickly becoming pregnant, perhaps, to snare a man who had some cash in his pocket? Well, apples don’t fall far from the tree, as we see Meghan being heartless and selfish with people, easily abandoning them, using people and fleeing from “uncomfortable “ situations. You summarized Samatha’s tragic childhood and adulthood well. She had no support anywhere and a father at every turn emotionally injuring her. Injuring her with her own family members! Poor Samatha. No wonder why she studied psychology: “Make this make sense” . Toxic parents will likely produce toxic children. I’m convinced that King Charles’s constant attempt to leave a door open to Harry is not about Harry at all; it’s to insure an escape route for the kids in the future.

[@eldamandal7856]

Great job Shauna. The Markles are interesting human beings. Senior is the root of the characters the sisters turned out. Sam turned out tough and practical. Harry's wife turned out to be delusional. The latter because both her parents had the "you can be and do anything and everything you want."

[@thevintageread]

Yes that sums it up!

[@justsayin8893]

Thank you again. i found these revelations so disturbing i had to watch it again 😢. The whole family is a mess, very shameful.

[@grasshopper1451]

This video validated all of my impressions of Thomas Sr. Add Thomas Sr to Doria 🤯MM hit the DNA jackpot of parents. I kinda feel sorry for her. Seeing exactly where how her multiple personality disorders manifested. Samantha couldn't help growing up feeling like the proverbial "red headed stepchild". Even in adulthood her father gravel's for Rachel's attention for all the world to see. I truly believe that if mm allowed him back in her life Samantha would find herself ghosted by daddy once again.

[@cilajoao1]

HG Tudor has always defended that Thomas Markle Sr. is a narcissist. I think this proves it clearly.

[@thevintageread]

I didn’t know that! I thought I was a lone voice on this one…interesting.

[@kathrynk9109]

Thank you Shauna, I appreciate your analysis of the dynamic between Samantha Markle and her father. I have not heard this in any other commentary. I have always felt compassion for Samantha Markle, I have started reading her book. One child or sibling can definitely be targeted by parents and other siblings and family members with tragic results, I have experienced this myself.

[@madeyed2702]

Learned a lot about the Markles. Guess Thomas Sr. reaps what he sow long time ago. I do feel sorry on how he is treated by M, but can't help that many of the problems rose from poor parenting from both parents. A bit advice for Samantha and Thomas Jr. - they should move on with their life, focus on their health and leave the circus alone. M will get a bad karma one day (it seems to take place in recent years). Same advice to Thomas Sr.!

[@amyemerson]

Frankly, It really does not make much sense…forfeiting custody of your children to your in-laws for financial reasons when your parents are financially stable. The children were eventually adopted and they are presently estranged from their mom. And then obtaining a bachelors and masters? Education is a financial burden as well. Want to believe that, but it’s difficult.

[@thevintageread]

Yes however that happened 10 years later

[@tdwagner1]

Actually you can get a fairly good education over here in the states without even paying for it...wish I had known that lol

[@LC_from_MO]

I believe that it also has something to do with her Multiple Sclerosis.

[@starrycrown]

But wasn’t Sam’s mother too heavy with corporal punishment?

[@user-eh2fr8nm1g]

@@tdwagner1 how do you get education in USA for free? I’d love to know as I have one in college now - for which I’m footing the full bill - and another one going in a couple of years

[@angelabatch5176]

Love listening to you. It’s like hearing a good audio book each time!

[@thevintageread]

Wow, thank you!

[@lulajoemom98]

You made me cry. And I very much agree

[@thevintageread]

💔💗

[@user-lm2vs1sl3v]

I just want to know when Rachel will be punished.

[@LeilaChapman29]

I was already sympathetic towards Samantha before… but NOW.. I’m full blown Team Samantha 🤯

[@jeannelipham2583]

Lady C being diplomatic???? Now,***THAT*** is ***NEWS!!!***

[@tinaj7331]

Interesting, thank you TVR. As soon as I found out a while ago TMSnr took several trips to Thailand, for some strange reason, I totally went off him. But I do still have some sympathy for him not seeing his favourite daughter's children , if they do exist.

[@dinagravanis5738]

I so agree with you on all points 🙌👌

[@thevintageread]

Well you don’t have too…but I’m glad!

[@user-me7by2jc3d]

At the start, as a parent, I felt sorry for Thomas senior; then the more I read about his behaviour and watching him pleading with Meghan, and still covering up for her, I lost all respect for him. He is obsessed with Meghan and winning her approval at all costs. He placed her above his other children from day one, creating the monster that she is now.

[@ayesh5544]

Thomas Markle is still all starry eyed about Meghan.

[@jmama6058]

I absolutely love your insight on this topic and I think you are so right about Samantha always wanting her dad’s support, love and care. It truly breaks my heart for her. But I think that Thomas Markle Sr is getting his just desserts from Meghan. He is now being dismissed by her the way he has always treated his other two children. Love your content. Can’t wait to hear more.

[@Lynn-sz9gp]

I get it now. Thank you for the insights on the relationship Samantha has within the Markle family. She has tried to stand up for her dad even though he could of done better as a parent to her. I understand how parents can not be perfect, no one is. Meghan is a spoiled brat, period.

[@yvie914]

I thoroughly enjoyed this review. You're very good at reading between the lines and pointing out the cause and effect of children for the choices parents make. And yes, Samantha did get a different father than Meghan. When you pointed out that Thomas was making decent money before moving to L.A, it confirms to me that, since he didnt care for Samantha's mom, it extended to how he considered his kids. Why else would he not only leave them behind but also leave them with a violent mother? Didnt bother to even check on them! Thats why he didnt offer to help Samantha keep her kids & thats why he passed Ashley's phone # on for Meghan to call. They are a part of a woman he cant stand! And then theres Doria, He obviously had some feelings for Doria because he did everything for M. So sad

[@dapawap]

Yep that does make sense!

[@FireflyXOXO1]

There is and never will be any excuses that MM doesn't financially help her sister. Even if she hated her sister. I can see that MM knew and enjoyed the fact that she was hurting her sister by stealing her sisters child away!

[@bevvaor2320]

Yeah. M has an ugly heart and she should look to her relationship with her, because life ha a way to deal with this type of person, it is acted KARMA.

[@StoneageT]

Samantha Markle, Tom Sr and Jr are a security threat to Meghan and her family. Meghan doesn’t OWE them anything! Sam needs to get a real job and stop stalking Meghan

[@ana.y]

You nailed it, after reading the book i felt the same re all the points you raised. Unfortunately Samantha is not exposing the true colours of Thomas Snr in my opinion given Doria had drugs which questions weather Thomas was also a user?

[@Mina-mt6kt]

The neglected siblings are the ones that end up caring for the elderly parents because at that point in life, they will and are happy to receive any "breadcrumbs" of attention as adults, that they didn't receive as children from the parents....sad, but true.

[@beatas1366]

i totally agree