Meghan Markle's estranged half-sister hits back after Prince Harry claims royals are 'the family she never had'

'Actually she has a large family who were always there with her and for her'
Francesca Gillett28 December 2017

Meghan Markle’s estranged half-sister has hit out at Prince Harry's claims that the royals were “the family she never had”.

Prince Harry, 33, revealed his fiancée, 36, “really enjoyed” spending Christmas with the Queen and other senior royals, adding: “The family loved having her there.”

Speaking during an interview on Wednesday’s BBC Radio 4 Today programme as he took over the show as guest editor, the young royal said: “I think we've got one of the biggest families that I know of, and every family is complex as well.

“No look, she's done an absolutely amazing job. She's getting in there and it's the family I suppose that she's never had."

But Samantha Grant, who has previously spoken about her “rift” with half-sister Meghan, took to Twitter to slam Harry’s comments, even tweeting Kensington Palace in a separate message.

“Actually she has a large family who were always there with her and for her,” she said.

“Our household was very normal and when dad and Doria divorced, we all made it so it was like she had two houses.

“No one was estranged, she was just too busy.”

Meghan and Harry went to church with the royals on Christmas Day.
PA Wire/PA Images

She added: “Meg’s family (our family) is complete with sister, brother, aunts, uncles, cousins, and the glue of our family, our amazing completely self-sacrificing father.

“She always had this family… marrying merely extends it.”

Meghan Markle and her mum Doria. 
PA

Ms Grant has previously attracted criticism over claims she is “cashing in” on her new stardom after revealing she is writing a book offering intimate insights about Ms Markle’s upbringing.

In November the royal couple announced they were to marry in May next year following a 16-month romance which blossomed when they met through mutual friends.

Ms Markle is reportedly close to both her parents, Thomas Markle and Doria, who said their daughter’s relationship with Harry was a “source of great joy” to them.

Her parents divorced when she was young but the Suits actress has frequently written about the love and support they have given her.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle engagement announcement

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Following the engagement announcement, Ms Markle's parents said: "We are incredibly happy for Meghan and Harry. Our daughter has always been a kind and loving person.

"To see her union with Harry, who shares the same qualities, is a source of great joy for us as parents.

"We wish them a lifetime of happiness and are very excited for their future together."

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were said to be delighted for the couple and, in a break with royal tradition, American actress Ms Markle became the first fiancée to spend Christmas with the royals before marriage.

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