Thomas Markle Jr., the half-brother of Meghan Markle, has publicly addressed a booze-fueled altercation with his fiancée on New Year's Eve, claiming the royal engagement played a role in the incident.
Earlier reports indicated that Darlene Blount, engaged to Thomas Markle, was taken into custody and faced a fourth-degree assault charge on January 1 following a confrontation with Thomas in Oregon.
During a conversation with The Mail on Sunday, the 51-year-old Thomas first claimed Blount struck him in the face, but later stated the wounds were self-caused. He posted $1,000 bail to secure his fiancée's release from custody.
Darlene Blount's booking photo courtesy of Josephine County Jail/Backgrid
Thomas informed the publication that both he and Blount intend to seek counseling for alcohol and relationship problems. However, he noted that the pressure from suddenly becoming public figures after the Suits actress's betrothal to Prince Harry exacerbated their difficulties.
He stated that the situation has been challenging, explaining that Meghan's engagement to Prince Harry has cast a harsh light on their family. "When you're dealing with personal problems and your sister is marrying into royalty, it brings an entirely different level of scrutiny," he remarked. He added that the constant attention has caused significant stress, leading them to drink excessively to cope.
Thomas, who shares a father with the 36-year-old Meghan, previously conversed with the Daily Mail regarding the royal wedding. He expressed uncertainty about whether he would be present at the May ceremony in Windsor Castle.
He said, "I'm not sure if Meghan has the freedom to choose her guests. If she wants me there, she'll contact me. She has my number. The decision is entirely hers—no pressure. I'd love to watch my little sister have the most magnificent wedding ever. That would be amazing."
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