Why Meghan Markle's father is leaving the US 'For a new life'

Thomas explained that he is not running away and that his decision was not based on his broken relationship with Meghan and Harry, but that he was looking for “peace” and “kinder people”.

Thomas Markle, who has not seen his son-in-law Prince Harry since marrying Meghan Markle, also discussed the possibility of him finally meeting the Duke of Sussex or his grandchildren Prince Archie and Princess Lilibeth.

Thomas has revealed he plans to make drastic changes to his life after years of scrutiny and controversy surrounding his relationship with his daughter.

Chat with Daily mailThomas noted that he was leaving America behind and looking for a “fresh start” overseas so he could afford some decency in his final years.

“I'm ready for a change. I've felt stuck in a rut for a while and I'm ready to meet new people and experience kindness,” he told the news outlet.

Meghan and Thomas were once close, but their relationship has been hit hard after he staged paparazzi photos ahead of her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, which he missed after suffering two heart attacks the day before the event.

Reminiscing about past moments with the former “Suits” actress, the 80-year-old showed the news outlet Meghan's school report card, which described her as a child who “demonstrates constant effort and is active in classroom discussions.”

Apparently, he has kept a number of sentimental items, such as family albums, that remind him of Megan, whom he refers to as “Meggie.”

Thomas' decision to flee the country was not because of Meghan and Harry, but because of his sanity. He revealed that he wanted to move to Southeast Asia.

“I don't know where I'll end up, but it's time to move on and find a place to live among kind people and enjoy the time I have left,” he said.

“I traveled in that part of the world when I was a younger man. The people are so kind and welcoming and respect older people,” Thomas noted of his potential destination. “It's a place of culture and beauty.”

According to a news release, the Emmy-winning Hollywood lighting director has not renewed the rent on his clifftop home in Rosarito, Mexico.

“At 80, it's time to go somewhere where the people are nice and I can enjoy a quieter, friendlier existence,” he shared. “In Southeast Asia, the medical care is good, you can live relatively cheaply, the people are kind and respect the elderly, and the food is healthy.”

“Mostly, I just want peace. At 80, none of us know how long we have left. I want to have peace at any time, regardless of the terrible drama of the last few years,” he added.

Although Thomas' beach community home is about 250 miles away by car from Harry and Meghan's Montecito mansion, he has yet to meet the Duke of Sussex and his grandchildren Archie and Lilibeth.

According to Daily mailhe has accepted that his chances of meeting them are now slim, but he remains hopeful.

Recalling the “good times” they once had, Thomas said Megan was a “good girl” and while he “didn't like some of the things” she had done, he would “always love her”.

“My door is always open to her. I love her and that will never change. I love all my kids,” he shared. “Meghan once told me she wanted me to stop talking to Tom Jr. and Samantha, my children from my first marriage. But what parent would agree to that?”

In his chat with the news agency, Thomas thanked King Charles III for walking Meghan down the aisle at her wedding to Harry at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.

Thomas missed Meghan's wedding due to heart problems that led to two heart stents in the days leading up to the event.

He had to watch the event from a rented Airbnb and showed the news outlet a doctor's note barring him from traveling.

“I'm a grandfather and he's the King of England, but he's also a grandfather who would like to see his grandchildren,” Thomas said of Charles, adding that he remains “incredibly grateful” to the king.

“I'm not running away. I'm going in search of a more positive life. Every day I see something about Meghan. This week it's been the new TV show,” he said. “I wish her no ill will. My dream is that one day I can reunite my entire family as a 'normal' family.”

As Meghan's father prepares to leave the US, the Duchess is preparing for the launch of her own Netflix cooking show after returning to social media.

The mother of two shocked royal fans when she shared a beach video on Instagram on January 1, seemingly ringing in the new year.

Soon after, Meghan released the official trailer for her Netflix series “With Love, Meghan.” The trailer showcased the royal taking part in a range of activities including gardening, cooking and beekeeping.

Her video also featured some famous faces like actress Mindy Kaling and former “Suits” co-star Abigail Spencer.