DAD LASHES OUT: Meghan's father SLAMS palace for 'trashing and bashing' his daughter

Thomas Markle is “seething with anger” at the way his daughter Meghan is being treated  in what he calls “relentless criticism every time she says or does anything”.

A close friend of the 74-year-old said, “In less than a year, the outpouring of love has turned into a constant sniping at every little thing, even down to the clothes she wears."

Palace courtiers have been revealing stories about how Meghan talks badly to her staff after several quit their jobs and how she and Kate are engaged in a huge feud - resulting in Meghan and Harry moving away from Kensington Palace. 

Even though they have been estranged since her wedding to Harry, 34, in May, which he failed to attend after a heart attack, Mr Markle has said he is worried about his daughter.

The friend revealed: “It hurts him deeply. Thomas keeps asking, ‘How could they be so cruel and heartless? One of the sweetest young women anyone could hope to meet is being trashed and bashed by a British establishment hellbent on belittling her’.

"He thinks she’s a victim of some sort of sick British sport where you put someone on a pedestal then throw as many stones as you can to knock them off.

“All this is happening when she’s expecting her first child and, instead of support, Thomas is horrified that she’s getting nothing but flak.

“He says, ‘They’re nothing but snobs and their behaviour is a disgrace’.”

Two years ago Prince Harry released a statement complaining about the “wave of abuse and harassment” with “racist overtones” that Meghan received.

Now, royal watchers and friends of the Duchess have also warned that it is time to leave Meghan Markle alone.

It follows months of claims and speculation by royal insiders who have leaked stories about Meghan, 37. Anxious palace aides fear Prince Harry is set to blow his top again over the extraordinary attacks on his wife.