A British journalist and TV commentator has apologized after falsely claiming that Meghan Markle was raised by her father, Thomas Markle, while her mother, Doria Ragland, was in prison.
What did Carole Malone say about Meghan Markle and her mother?
On Monday, video clips circulated on social media of Carole Malone, who works for GB News, issuing an on-air apology during the Britain’s Newsroom segment to both Markle and Ragland for the false comments she made about their family dynamic.
“In an episode of Britain’s Newsroom 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. I believed this to be the case based on what I now understand to be misinformation I had seen online. I was questioned about the validity of this claim during the broadcast and I repeated this belief, which I now understand to be false,” Malone said.
She continued, “This was a genuine error. 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,” she continued. “I apologize sincerely to Ms. Ragland and her family for any pain my comments may have caused, and I’m happy to set the record straight.”
Anchor Andrew Pierce added, “Can I just say I’m up for GB News cause I was on the program that day. We all wish to apologize to Ms. Ragland for the error, and we are happy to correct the record.”
‘GB News did not apologize voluntarily’
A spokesperson for the Duchess of Sussex released a statement to People, calling out Malone and GB News for the rare on-air apology they issued to avoid legal action, and for the claims about their family that have been debunked but continue to spread online and on other platforms.
“Broadcasters have a responsibility to inform, not inflame. This lie was conclusively debunked more than two years ago, yet it continues to be recycled by irresponsible commentators, causing recurring harm.”
“Ms. Ragland proudly raised her daughter and has never been in prison. GB News did not apologize voluntarily, but only to escape a defamation lawsuit — and it speaks volumes that GB News removed any trace of that apology within 24hrs of making it,” the spokesperson added.
The false claim originally stemmed from a news segment about Meghan’s father
The false claim originated on a Dec. 4 segment of Britain’s Newsroom, when Malone, 71, reported that Thomas had experienced a serious medical crisis that resulted in an emergency amputation of his leg in the Philippines, where he currently lives, according to People and The Grio.
Malone called out Meghan and insinuated that she had never contacted her father, falsely claiming he raised her while her mother was not around.
“So where’s her compassion for the father who actually brought her up, who paid for her private education, while her mother was in jail, who took huge care of her, and she’s not seen him in the latter years. Not just seen him, she’s like, totally snubbed him, Thomas,” Malone incorrectly asserted in a now viral clip shared on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“When was her mom in jail?” her co-presenter asked.
“Years ago,” Malone replied, adding, “Do you want me to give you the precise date and time? Because I haven’t got that.”
“I never heard that before ever,” he said, surprised.
Meghan and her mother’s relationship, explained
Meghan, 44, has highlighted her close relationship with her mother over the years, including in the Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan, released in December 2022. The series offered glimpses into her life with Ragland, who also shared her own experiences, Blavity reported.
“I’m ready to have my voice heard, that’s for sure. A little bit of my experience, you know, as her mom,” Ragland said in the series.
The former Suits actor faced racist remarks after her relationship with Harry became public. Since the couple married, Ragland has maintained a protective presence in her daughter’s life.
“As a parent, in hindsight, absolutely, I would like to go back and have that kind of real conversation about how the world sees you,” Ragland said.