Meghan’s father hits out at claims he is involved in a ‘tacky’ sightseeing tour of exclusive Montecito, where his daughter and Prince Harry live

Thomas, MEGHAN Markle’s estranged father, has received word that he is involved in a “tasteless” celebrity sightseeing tour that will take tourists past daughter Meghan’s Montecito mansion.

The £959 bus tour – touted as a ‘Royal Celebrity Tour of Los Angeles and Montecito’ – is offered by paparazzi photographer Karl Larsen, who once worked with Markle.

But last night, 79-year-old Markle told Mail Online Royals: “I never authorized Karl Larsen to do any tour. I’m not involved in any way.’

Mr Markle, who suffered a stroke and two heart attacks last year just before his daughter married Prince Harry in 2018, has been left ‘boiling and deeply saddened’ by the allegations made over the weekend.

The nine-bedroom Montecito mansion of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. They have lived there since 2020

An aerial view of Santa Barbara and Montecito. The area is home to numerous celebrities, including Ellen de Generes

According to The Sunday Mirror, Larsen said Mr Markle ‘approved’ the tour – priced for six people – which will drive close to the Sussexes’ £11 million home, past Prince Harry’s polo club and point out favorite restaurants and restaurants of the bunch. stores in Montecito, the California city they moved to in 2020 shortly after they retired as senior working Royals.

The tour would also reportedly include Meghan’s former childhood homes in Los Angeles.

A source close to Mr Markle said: ‘The allegation that Tom is somehow involved in this tawdry and, quite frankly, exploitative tour is 100 per cent false and has angered and deeply upset Tom. There’s no truth in it. He would never lend his name to something like that.

“Tom isn’t a good friend of Karl Larsen.”

Mr Markle briefly took part in a YouTube show with Larsen, but quit the show when he became uncomfortable with some of the comments Larsen made about the Sussexes.

Tom may be estranged from Meghan, but he loves her and would never do anything to hurt her or put her or his grandchildren in danger. He was briefly involved in a project with this person (Larsen) years ago, something he has come to regret. Tom has cut off contact with this man and wants nothing to do with him personally or professionally.’

Mr. Markle’s son, Tom Jr., added: “Under no circumstances did my father ever agree – or was he even aware of – such a ridiculously lame and embarrassing idea to be involved in a tour bus company with Karl Larsen… who is not allowed to use the bus. my father’s name in every ad campaign for a cheap Hollywood tour bus company. What kind of person does that?’

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at a Women of Vision Awards ceremony in New York earlier this year

A source said: ‘Tom is estranged from Meghan but he loves her and would never do anything to hurt her’

Tom Markle, pictured taking part in a Channel 5 documentary. He has repeatedly tried to reconcile with his daughter, but has yet to meet his two grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet.

Critics have criticized Larsen for promoting the tour.

Tech entrepreneur Christopher Boozy called it “an act of targeted harassment.”

One website that advertised the tour has since removed the listing, although Larsen has insisted that the tour continue.

Mr Markle’s friend said: ‘Tom is focusing on his health and moving on with his life. Something like that only causes him more stress and damage.’

Mr Markle has been estranged from his daughter since he suffered two heart attacks on the eve of her wedding, preventing him from traveling to Britain to escort her down the aisle.

He has repeatedly tried to reconcile with Meghan, but has not heard from her yet. He has never met son-in-law Prince Harry or his two grandchildren Archie, four- and two-year-old Lilibet.