Meghan Markle had an emotional conversation about fathers on the final episode of her podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder. She was joined by shapewear designer Sara Blakely, who spoke openly about her father’s influence on her business and worldview. This discussion comes as Meghan remains estranged from her own father, Thomas Markle Sr.

Meghan’s relationship with her father deteriorated around her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, after Thomas was involved in a scandal involving staged photos with photographers, allegedly in exchange for money. Though he was originally meant to walk Meghan down the aisle, a heart attack prevented him from attending—a fact Meghan says she learned “through a tabloid.” Thomas later admitted his actions made him look “stupid and hammy.”

Three years later, Meghan revealed in her interview with Oprah Winfrey that she and her father were still estranged, mourning “a lot” and feeling like she has “lost my father.” Thomas now lives in the Philippines with Meghan’s half-brother Thomas Jr., and the rift shows no signs of healing.

Despite her own struggles, Meghan listened intently as Sara described her father’s crucial role in her success. Sara shared how her father served on SPANX’s board for 16 years, providing strategic advice, and encouraged redefining failure as a learning process.

Meghan acknowledged the balance Sara had growing up, with a pragmatic father and creative mother, saying, “That’s huge.” The conversation highlighted the importance of a supportive father figure, recalling Meghan’s past admiration for her own “thoughtful, inspiring, hardworking Daddy” before their relationship collapsed.