British News Anchor Apologizes for False Claims About Meghan Markle’s Mother

A British television anchor has issued a public apology to Meghan Markle’s family after broadcasting false information claiming the Duchess of Sussex’s mother had been imprisoned during Meghan’s childhood.

During a December 15 broadcast on GB News, anchor Carole Malone formally retracted statements made on December 4 that falsely alleged Doria Ragland was incarcerated while Meghan was raised solely by her father, Thomas Markle.

“I stated that Thomas Markle, the Duchess of Sussex’s father, brought Meghan up while her mother, Doria Ragland, was in prison,” Malone acknowledged on air. “I believed this to be the case based on what I now understand to be misinformation I had seen online.”

The anchor continued her apology, stating: “I was questioned about the validity of this claim during the broadcast and I repeated this belief, which I now understand to be false. This was a genuine error.”

Malone directly addressed Ragland in her statement, saying, “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. I apologize sincerely to Ms. Ragland and her family for any pain my comments may have caused.”

The incident marks yet another chapter in the complex relationship between the British media and the Duchess of Sussex, who has frequently found herself the subject of scrutiny and misinformation since her relationship with Prince Harry became public in 2016. The couple has repeatedly challenged what they describe as unfair and inaccurate coverage, particularly from UK tabloids.

Media experts note this latest incident highlights ongoing concerns about journalistic standards and fact-checking processes, especially regarding high-profile individuals who face constant media attention. The swift correction, while appropriate, raises questions about how such significant misinformation made it to broadcast in the first place.

The false claims about Ragland emerged amid coverage of Thomas Markle’s recent hospitalization for an emergency leg amputation, which itself has become a source of media speculation. Reports about whether Meghan had contacted her estranged father following his medical procedure have circulated widely.

According to Thomas Markle’s public statements, he claimed not to have heard from his daughter following his surgery, though he expressed openness to reconciliation. However, representatives for the Duchess later clarified to People magazine that she had indeed attempted to reach out to her father via email on December 5, and when that proved unsuccessful, sent a letter through regular mail.

“With the support of reliable and trusted contacts, her correspondence is now safely in his hands,” her representatives told People.

The relationship between Meghan and her father has been strained since before her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, when Thomas Markle was found to have collaborated with paparazzi on staged photographs. He subsequently did not attend the royal wedding, citing health issues.

GB News, a relatively new player in the British media landscape, has positioned itself as an alternative to mainstream news outlets. The channel has faced criticism in the past for its approach to reporting, with media watchdogs raising concerns about accuracy and impartiality.

This latest incident underscores the ongoing challenges the Sussexes face in their relationship with the media, even after stepping back from their roles as senior working royals and relocating to California in 2020. Despite their distance from royal duties, Meghan and Harry continue to attract intense media coverage and scrutiny on both sides of the Atlantic.