Veteran ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly has taken a swipe at Meghan Markle, as the Duchess of Sussex insisted she had made attempts to contact her ailing father Thomas Markle after he was admitted to the hospital where he had an emergency operation, resulting in his leg isbeing amputated. On a recent episode of her daytime show, the 66-year-old mum of one was talking to a reporter who was broadcasting live from outside Buckingham Palace when it was suggested the Duchess of Sussex had only contacted her ill father to avoid negative publicity.

Lorraine made her agreement evident with a disapproving expression before saying: "Yeah that's very true. I mean the press have tracked him down, she could always give them a call. I don't know if that will happen, though." Prince Harry's 44-year-old wife has not been on speaking terms with her dad, who is recovering from his operation in a hospital in the Philippines, since 2018.

Despite her claims she made attempts to get a message to him, she has reportedly deleted his phone number and has not made any plans to visit him.

The Sunday Times reported the mum of two refrained from directly contacting him at the hospital, as she feared a phone call would be overheard.

On Wednesday December 10, Meghan's spokesperson confirmed she had finally been able to make direct contact with her father.

"Given that a Daily Mail reporter has remained at her father's bedside throughout, broadcasting each interaction and breaching clear ethical boundaries, it has been exceedingly difficult for the Duchess to contact her father privately, despite her efforts over the past several days.

"With the support of reliable and trusted contacts, her correspondence is now safely in his hands," it read.

Thomas has been vocal about wanting a reconcilliation with his duaghter over the past several years.

Speaking to friend Caroline Graham, Mail on Sunday US Editor, from his hospital bed, he said: "Of course I want to speak to her (Meghan) but I am not sure if these are the right circumstances.

"I've always said I am open to reconciling with my daughter. I have never stopped loving her. I don't want to die estranged from Meghan. I want to meet my grandkids. It might be nice to meet her husband too."