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A British journalist has publicly apologized to Doria Ragland, mother of Meghan Markle, after making false claims about her past during a television broadcast earlier this month.
Royal commentator Carole Malone issued a retraction on Monday for erroneously stating that Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle, “brought her up while her mother was in jail” – an allegation that has no basis in fact.
“On Thursday, December the 4th, 2025, I stated that Thomas Markle, the Duchess of Sussex’s father, brought Meghan up while her mother, Doria Ragland, was in prison,” Malone said during her on-air apology, as reported by Us Weekly.
The journalist explained that her misstatement stemmed from misinformation she had encountered online. “I believed this to be the case based on what I now understand to be misinformation I had seen online,” Malone admitted.
What makes the incident particularly concerning is that Malone doubled down on the false claim during the original broadcast when questioned about its validity. “I repeated this belief, which I now understand to be false,” she acknowledged.
In her apology, Malone clarified the actual situation regarding Meghan’s upbringing: “I accept what I have been told on behalf of Ms. Ragland — that she raised her daughter and that she has never been in prison or jail.”
The commentator expressed remorse for any harm caused, stating, “I apologize sincerely to Ms. Ragland and her family for any pain my comments may have caused.”
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Duchess of Sussex and her family in the face of media scrutiny and misinformation. Since Meghan’s relationship with Prince Harry became public in 2016, both she and her family members have been subjected to intense media attention, often accompanied by unfounded rumors and speculation.
Doria Ragland, a former social worker and yoga instructor, has maintained a dignified silence throughout much of the media storm surrounding her daughter. Unlike other members of Meghan’s family who have frequently spoken to the press, Ragland has remained largely private, making only rare public appearances, most notably at her daughter’s royal wedding in 2018.
Media experts point out that this incident underscores the responsibility journalists bear when discussing public figures, particularly when making claims about their personal histories. The rapid spread of unverified information online can lead to the perpetuation of falsehoods that damage reputations and cause personal distress.
The timing of the apology coincides with news that Meghan has recently been able to deliver a letter to her estranged father, Thomas Markle, following his hospitalization for major surgery. The Duchess’s spokesperson confirmed that after several attempts, Meghan successfully reached out to her father, with whom she has had a strained relationship since before her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry.
The complex dynamics of the Markle family have been a subject of considerable public interest and media coverage, particularly as Meghan transitioned from her career as an actress to her role within the British royal family and subsequently to her current life with Prince Harry and their two children in California.
This latest episode serves as a reminder of the real human impact behind royal headlines and the importance of fact-checking before broadcasting claims about individuals in the public eye.
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7 Comments
It’s good to see the journalist apologize for the false claims. Spreading misinformation, even inadvertently, can have real consequences. Fact-checking and retractions are important, especially when it comes to public figures.
Clearly, more care is needed when reporting on public figures and their personal lives. I hope this incident leads to better fact-checking practices and more accountability in the media. Spreading misinformation, even unintentionally, can have real consequences.
It’s disappointing to see false information spread, even inadvertently, about Meghan Markle’s family. Journalists have a duty to report accurately and responsibly, especially on sensitive topics. Retractions are important, but prevention is key.
This situation highlights the need for greater media accountability and fact-checking, especially around sensitive topics like public figures’ personal lives. I hope this leads to more diligence in verifying information before publication.
The journalist’s apology is a positive step, but the initial airing of the false claims is concerning. Responsible journalism requires thorough verification of information, especially when it involves public figures and their families. I hope this leads to improved practices.
While the apology is a step in the right direction, the initial airing of unverified claims is concerning. The media should be held to high standards when reporting on individuals, particularly those in the public eye. Responsible journalism is critical.
While the retraction and apology are important, the initial spread of misinformation is troubling. The media has a responsibility to report accurately and avoid perpetuating false narratives, particularly around sensitive personal matters. This incident underscores the need for higher journalistic standards.