Prince Harry Meets Meghan Markle’s Dad

Prince Harry has met the parents—well, one of them at least.

Harry, who has been dating American actress and Suits star Meghan Markle for several months, met Meghan’s dad, Thomas, about six months ago in Toronto, before their relationship became public knowledge, her brother has told reporters.

Speaking to Dailymail.com, Meghan’s brother, Thomas Jr., said: “My dad knew about [the relationship] from the start.”

The report should put to rest to spurious stories that have circulated of a rift between Meghan and her father, a lighting technician.

Meghan’s brother said: “He first met Prince Harry about six months ago out in Toronto. He goes once every couple of months—they are very close and they stay in close contact.

“He’s pretty happy about Harry and he’s extremely proud of her.”

Speaking of the bond between Meghan and her father, he said: “They have an amazing relationship, they’re very close and they always have been.”

However, he was not sure whether Harry had met her mother yet.

Harry and Meghan’s relationship has blossomed quickly.

She stayed with Harry at his home in the grounds of Kensington Palace when she visited in November, and again before Christmas.

On the latter occasion, Harry and Meghan were pictured strolling down a central London street, looking like any other couple wrapped up in winter coats as they made their way through some of the most crowded shopping streets in the city, with nothing more than woolly hats for disguises.

Harry’s biographer Penny Junor told The Daily Beast: “Meghan is used to being in the limelight, which neither Chelsy or Cressida were. Also they were younger and were intimidated by the media intrusion; they didn’t want a future in a goldfish bowl. For a U.S. celebrity, that media attention is the oxygen they need and rely upon and crave. I just hope that Meghan is being genuine here and not using Harry to further her career.”

Meghan is believed to have visited the U.K. four times in the past three months, and Harry raised eyebrows when, contrary to the strict royal protocol that prohibits mixing business trips with pleasure, he diverted 1,700 miles to see her on his way back from his royal tour of the Caribbean.

The prince’s relationship with the 35-year-old, which began in the spring, was confirmed when his communications secretary, Jason Knauf, issued a strongly worded statement attacking the media over the “wave of abuse and harassment” the actress had experienced.

Knauf revealed the depth of Harry’s feelings for his girlfriend when he said the prince was “worried about Ms. Markle’s safety” and “deeply disappointed that he has not been able to protect her.”

News of the couple’s relationship broke in the Sunday Express in October, with a source saying Harry was “happier than he’s been for many years.”